ISLAMABAD: The Defence Day was commemorated by people from all walks of life on Wednesday as they paid homage to the armed forces for their sacrifices in the Pakistan-India war of 1965 and reiterated their commitment to protect the sovereignty of the country at all costs.

In Gujar Khan, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf and senior military officials as well as civil servants attended ceremonies in the tehsil to commemorate the sacrifices of the martyrs and also visited their graves.

Mr Ashraf laid floral wreaths on the monuments of Captain Raja Sarwar Shaheed and Sawar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed, whohad received Nishan-i-Haider for their gallantry.

The speaker said it was an honour for the Gujar Khan tehsil that it was `embellished with two highest medals on its chest`.

Maj Gen Yasir Elahi also laid a floral wreath on the monument of Captain Sarwar Shaheed in his native village of Singhori on behalf of Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir. A contingent also paid guard of honour on the occasion.

A number of educational institutions and departments in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad organised events and ceremonies to pay tributes to the martyrs.

A ceremony was held at Government Higher Secondary School in Kauntrila, the native village of Inter-Services Intelligence chief Lt-Gen Nadeem Anjum.

TheNationalLanguagePromotion Department (NLPD) organised a seminar with the theme `Defence of the Homeland: In the Mirror of Poetry and Literature`.

Speaking to the participants, Director General of the IslamicResearch Institute, International Islamic University Prof Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haq, said it was the responsibility of writers and poets to lead the nation by fighting intellectually and promoting civilisation and decency.

`We have to play a role in the development and stability of our country by protecting the society from extremism, negative attitudes and behaviour,` he said.

In another event, Pakistan Red Crescent Society Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari stressed the renewed commitment to the homeland`s safety, preservation and prosperity.

The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, also organised an event to mark the Pakistan Defence Day under the theme `Achieving SelfReliance through Defence Indigenisation.

Director General ISSI Sohail Mahmood highlighted the invaluable services of the armed forces in the defence of Pakistan andexpressed profound gratitude for the sacrifices of martyrs and their families. He highlighted that Pakistan lived in a difficult geo-strategic neighbourhood marked by myriad threats and challenges.

ACDC Director Malik Qasim Mustafa highlighted the defence indigenisation journey from 1951, when the first ordinance factory to manufacture rifles and ammunition was established, till today when Pakistan has more than 20 major public units and over 100 private sectors that engagedin defence production.

In her presentation, Research Associate ACDC Aamna Rafiq said Pakistan started its defence journey in 1947 with only 33pc of defence assets from united India and faced a war over Kashmir right at its inception.

In his concluding remarks, Chairman BoG ISSI Khalid Mahmood pointed out that more than 170 Pakistani soldiers had laid down their lives while rendering services in UN peacekeeping operations.In Rawalpindi, the Punjab Arts Council (PAC) organised a photo exhibition to mark the Defence Day.

Separately, addressing an event at Islamabad Model College for Girls, F-6/2, caretaker Education Minister Madad Ali Sindhi stressed the importance of remembering sacrifices rendered by all heroes to defend the frontiers of the motherland on September 6. The college students contributed to the atmosphere with patriotic songs.

The minister praised the youth for their `patriotism and commitment to both the country and its values`.

Similarly, the students of Overseas Girls College (OPF), F-8/2, Islamabad, observed the Defence Day with full zeal and paid tributes to the sacrifices of the heroes of the 1965 war.

Speaking as the chief guest, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Jawad Sohrab Malik reiterated the commitment of the armed forces to defend Pakistan against external aggression while advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir. He alsohighlighted the importance of youth in nation-building and emphasised the responsibility they hold in shaping the future of Pakistan.

The City School, Bahria Phase 7, also arranged various activities to commemorate the Defence Day with a fervor that resonated throughout the school premises. The students, teachers and staff came together to pay their respect to the valiant Pakistan Army and honour the sacrifices made for the country`s defence.

The event kicked off with captivating performances by students that truly reflected their love and admiration for the Pakistan Army.

Dressed in traditional military attire, young talents showcased their skills through songs, performances and speeches, symbolising the indomitable spirit of Pakistan.

The students` performances were not only impressive in their artistic expression but also in the depth of their understanding of the significance of Defence Day. Their commitment to honoring the armed forces was palpable, leaving the audience deeply moved.