Pakistan marks Defence Day with special prayers

Islamabad: Pakistan on Tuesday observed its annual Defence Day, recalling the spirit displayed by the nation and its armed forces in defending the country's territory integrity in the 1965 war with India.

Special prayers were offered in mosques across the country for eternal peace to those who died in defence of the country.

The special messages of the Services Chiefs on the occasion were read out to the troops of Army, Navy and Air Force.

Wreath Laying ceremonies were held at the graves and monuments of the recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider, the country's highest gallantry award. A large number of people from various walks of life attended the ceremonies, reports said.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in a Defence Day message to the nation, said on this day in 1965 the people of Pakistan from all provinces and all walks of life joined hands in "solidly standing behind the armed forces to face a serious threat to the country."

"The need to imbibe the spirit of September 6 this year is even greater as the country is confronted with a new and far more serious challenge to its existence from the militants, extremists and fanatics," the president said.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said in his message that Pakistan's defence "is impregnable."

Gilani said Pakistan is a peace-loving country and does not harbour any aggressive designs against anyone.

"But our love for peace should not be construed as our weakness," Gilani said.

The prime minister said that Pakistan had the distinct honour of being the world's seventh nuclear power and the first one to attain this capability in the Islamic world.

"Our nuclear programme is safe in every respect. Pakistan's defence is impregnable, our armed forces and the people of Pakistan are fully prepared to defend the national frontiers," he said.

Gilani said that Pakistan is playing a decisive role in the fight against terrorism to make world a hub of peace and noted that the world acknowledges its role in this regard.