Defence Day, as the name suggests, commemorates the day when our national armed forces successfully defended the attack of Indian forces on our country in the 1965 war. It is a tribute to our armed forces and all the martyrs of the war. It is celebrated on September 6 each year.
Defence Day is celebrated each year in memory of the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani armed forces in the 1965 war.
The enemy attacked our borders on September 6, 1965, with a view to invade the attacked areas. It was a reaction to stop the advance of Pakistani military in India Occupied Kashmir. They mainly attacked the regions of Lahore, Sialkot and the desert areas of Sindh. The battle lasted till September 22, 1965, when both sides accepted the United Nations-administered ceasefire.
Our military was successful in defending not only the areas attacked but also in protecting the lives of thousands of civilians and their homes. As such, we owe a duty to honour and respect all the military personnel of our country who gave up their lives so that we, our relatives and our fellow countrymen could live peacefully. This respect and honour should also extend to all those military personnel who supported our martyrs, risked their lives and lived to tell the tale.
Many of our martyred national heroes were given awards for their gallantry and bravery. The highest military award of Nishan-i-Haider was awarded to Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, for his extraordinary role in defending the Lahore Bedian area in 1965. He is among a handful of other gallant and brave military personnel who were martyred and awarded the same award in other battles and wars. They gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in the defence of Pakistan.
We all should be proud of our strong military forces and their constitutional role in guarding the physical frontiers and security of our country. We might be facing economic issues, but we are protected from foreign threats by what many around the world regard as one of the best military forces in Asia. When we salute our past war heroes, we pay respect to their sacrifices.
But our military not only engages in combat during war, but also contributes to the nation in peacetime. The forces also often perform humanitarian activities in disaster-hit areas and provide national relief services in the events such as floods, earthquakes, etc. Many of the armed forces’ institutions such as their schools, colleges, hospitals etc. working under the control of military, provide valuable services to civilians as well.
It is never late to honour and salute our national heroes. Any school or community function can be arranged at any time to honour all those men and women in uniform who have served to defend our country. Awareness of their importance and efforts can be raised on social media as well by us. Our chats and conversations with family and friends can also involve the topic of the importance and constitutional role of the military.
I don’t know the history of 6th September of Pakistani nation. Today I know about the significant day. Thanks for sharing