Pakistan's Defence & Martyrs Day

September 6th, 2024, will be observed as the Defence and Martyrs Day of Pakistan, marking it as a day of honor and respect. This is an annual event that is meant to commemorate the spirit and the great sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the spirit of the nation from the 1965 War till date. This day brings with it the spirit of heroism and selflessness, spirit of pride and unity of the nation.

From the streets of Karachi and the beaches of Gwadar to the mountains of Chitral and the heights of Khunjerab, Pakistan will be celebrating its heroes and martyrs. The day will begin with the activities such as visiting the graves, paying tributes to the departed souls with utmost respect to the recipients of Nishan-e-Haider – the highest military award of Pakistan.

The event that started the new chapter in the history was September 6, 1965, when Indian forces, with the aim to stop Pakistan’s military actions in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, initiated a cross-border attack. The Pakistani military stood firm during that critical period and has since then become the symbol of strength and pride of the nation.

Lahore and Sialkot are the two battlefronts that have become the emblem of Pakistani bravery. In Lahore, the 16 Punjab Regiment which was outnumbered, defended the Bambawali-Ravi-Bedian (BRB) Canal for twelve days of intense fighting. Their stand was firm and they fought to the last man, 106 of them got martyred, which was a clear indication of their loyalty and bravery. Major (retired) Sher Afgan gives a vivid description of the fighting, also pointing out that Pakistani forces not only held Lahore but also counter-attacked on to Indian territory.

Sialkot was a venue of one of the biggest tank battles, after Second World War. Pakistani troops were outnumbered and outgunned but they put up a spirited fight that made the Indian side to change its way of fighting. In the middle of the many fronts of operation, the Pakistan Navy pulled of a historic operation. Operation Dwarka, which began on 8th September aimed at the Indian coastal town of Dwarka that housed a vital radar station. Pakistani frigates stealthily eliminated the radar station, hampering the Indian forces’ operations and easing the pressure on the Pakistan Air Force. Vice Admiral (retired) Irfan Ahmad Hilal also appreciates that operation by Pakistan Navy and said that it demonstrated capability of Navy to project power at sea besides boosting national morale.

Of all the acts of courage, the courage exhibited by Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, Nishan e Haider, is still remembered. He was defending Burki Sector at Lahore. For five days he sustained fierce attacks by the enemy but kept on encouraging his men to stand firm. His supreme act of valor on September 12, 1965 and posthumous award of Nishan-e-Haider further established him, as a symbol of bravery and patriotism.

When the conflict of 1965 ended with a UN sponsored ceasefire on September 23rd, Pakistan had come out with a feeling of nationalism. Despite the fact that no clear winner emerged out of 1965 War, Pakistan’s determined stand ensured the integrity of its state while defeating way too strong opponent.
It is not just a remembrance of Defence and Martyrs Day, but it is a celebration of the spirit of Pakistan and the unity of the people. It is a day to celebrate not only the military victory but the spirit of the people of Pakistan. The ground battles were as intense as the sea battles and the bravery of the Pakistanis soldiers, sailors and the airmen continue to be a source of pride and patriotism.

Pakistan celebrates Defence and Martyrs Day to recall the sacrifices made by our heroes for preserving the country’s freedom. The events of September 6th, 1965 and the subsequent weeks were a testament to the power of Pakistan’s military, as well as the resolve of its citizens. On this day, Pakistanis all around the globe celebrate this day while committing themselves to the qualities of bravery, martyrdom and nationalism. The events of September 6th, 1965 are still fresh in the minds of the people of Pakistan and the scars of the war still felt by the Pakistanis, as the nation continues to uphold the spirit of independence.