| Defence Day | |
|---|---|
Two JF-17 Thunder aircraft in an airshow. |
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| Also called | Youm-e-Difa |
| Observed by | Pakistan |
| Type | National |
| Date | September 6 |
| Celebrations | Flag hoisting, Parade, Military exhibitions, award ceremonies, singing patriotic songs, entertainment and military programmes, speeches, etc. |
Defence Day (Urdu: یوم دفاع or Youm-e-Difa) is celebrated in Pakistan as a national day[1] on 6 September every year,[2] in memory of those who died in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 and successful defence of Lahore, Sialkot and other important areas of the country.
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On 6 September, both countries openly went to war following a series of minor skirmishes that preceded the 6th, when Pakistan was attacked by India from the Lahore-Burki sector during the dead of night (at 5 am). The war began following Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar, which was designed to infiltrate forces into Jammu and Kashmir to precipitate an insurgency against rule by India. The five-week war caused thousands of casualties on both sides. It ended in a United Nations (UN) mandated ceasefire and the subsequent issuance of the Tashkent Declaration. It must be mentioned that India went to the UN for ceasefire, as it knew what tragic end it might have to bear if the war continued. This war affected financially both countries, but Pakistan dominated, as India faced greater losses than Pakistan.
Pakistan and India, both countries fought that war for the issue of Kashmir but this issue remained unsolved. A lot of people lost their lives from both countries and a lot of weapons were used. At last on 6 September, this war was ended with the support of UN, with Pakistan dominating.[3]
The day of 6 September starts with special prayers for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan. President and Prime Minister and many ministers of Islamic Republic of Pakistan address on 6 September from special functions of Defence Day.[4]
Army officers like Captain Sarwar Shaheed, Major Tufail Shaheed, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed, Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed, Sawar Muhammad HussainShaheed, Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed,and Havildar Lalak Jan Shaheed gave sacrifices of their life and were awarded with "Nishan-e-Haider" for their acts of exceptional bravery. Nishan-e-Haider is a highest military award given to brave martyres of Pakistan army those who left remarkable examples of bravery and sacrifice for nation and country.[5]
Army of Pakistan displays the latest missiles, tanks, guns, army aviation helicopters and armament being used by Engineers, Electrical and Mechanical Corps, Army Air Defence, Signals, Army Service Corps and Army Medical Corps live on various places. Everyone is allowed to watch such functions live by going to the specific places. These shows are displayed on national channels as well. National songs and special documents about 6 September 1965 and martyred people of 6 September are displayed on TV. It is told to people how people gave sacrifices for the defense of the country and what is the responsibility of young generation now.
An environment of patriotic passion is generated nation wide on Defense Day. Everyone makes decision to work significantly for the progress of country so that the Independence that was earned by the sacrifices of millions of lives be well protected and the unity of the nation could be further strengthened.