Defence and Martyrs Day was observed on Saturday to pay tribute to martyrs and Ghazis with renewed commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.

It was on this day in 1965 when the Indian forces crossed international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled nefarious designs of the enemy.

The day dawned with thirty one gun salute in the Federal Capital and twenty one gun salute in provincial capitals.

Special prayers were offered in the mosques for progress and prosperity of country and independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from the clutches of India.

Fateha and Quran Khawani will also be held for the martyrs. 

A change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi on Saturday.

A contingent of Pakistan Air force Academy Asghar Khan assumed the guard duty.

Air vice Marshal Shahryar Khan was the chief guest of the ceremony who laid a floral wreath at the Mazar e Quaid and offered fateha.

A ceremony in connection with Defence and Martyrs Day was also held at Mazar-i-Iqbal in Lahore.

Corps Commander Lahore, Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah laid floral wreath at the mausoleum.