Pakistan came together on Saturday, September 6, to observe Defence and Martyrs’ Day, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of its armed forces as the country marked 60 years since the 1965 war. The day was filled with solemn ceremonies and heartfelt tributes across the nation, reaffirming the country’s unity and resolve.
Defence & Martyrs Day Ceremony held at Bahawalpur Garrison
General Officer Commanding 35 Division laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial and recited Fatiha#DefenceDay #Pakistan #ISPR
Tribute was paid to the eternal sacrifices of the martyrs at the ceremony held at the… pic.twitter.com/Hyq33vqPDa
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) September 6, 2025
Morning Ceremonies
The day kicked off with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, setting a tone of respect and remembrance. At Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi, Pakistan Air Force cadets took over as honorary guards, while senior military officials and the Director General of Sindh Rangers paid their respects by laying wreaths and offering prayers. A similar ceremony was held in Lahore at Mazar-e-Iqbal, where Lt Gen Fayyaz Hussain Shah, Lahore Corps Commander, was in attendance.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff; General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of…
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) September 5, 2025
Messages from Leadership
Leaders across the board – President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force – issued messages paying tribute to the martyrs and ghazis. They emphasized September 6 as a symbol of courage and unity, vowing to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty at all costs. President Zardari highlighted the need to strengthen the military and tackle modern challenges like disinformation and psychological warfare. In a separate announcement, ISPR said the armed forces would provide full support to communities affected by the recent floods, showcasing their role in both war and peace.
Other Tributes & Events
Special prayers were held nationwide, not just for Pakistan’s progress but also for the freedom of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Pakistani embassies abroad, including the one in Ankara, hosted ceremonies, with Turkey’s Defence Minister Yaşar Güler attending the event to express solidarity with Pakistan. Wreath-laying ceremonies were held at martyrs’ monuments across the country, including in Gwadar. In South Waziristan, students got a chance to interact with soldiers and see military equipment during a “Day with Pakistan Army” event. The day concluded with patriotic fervor at the Wagah Border, where parades and public gatherings drew large crowds.
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