A special ceremony was held at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) on Tuesday to pay tribute to the martyrs of the country on Defense Day.
Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed graced the ceremony as chief guest that was held in the council hall of the new campus of the university. It was also attended by President IIUI, Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, Vice Presidents of the university, Deans, senior faculty members, students and other relevant officials.
Dr. Mukhtar said that on the occasion that on September 6th, 1965, our brave forces crushed the enemy. “The special feature of the 1965 war was the spirit of ideal love for the Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan.” Chairman HEC said. He said today, there is a crucial need to awaken and re-energize that spirit again.
He said we are proud of the brave sons of the soil, especially the Shuhada who laid down their lives but did not let the enemy move an inch to fulfil its nefarious designs. “The day exudes the spirit of unity and sacrifice in the defense of our motherland” he said. Dr. Mukhtar added that families of the martyrs are very important to us.
Stressing the need for unity, he said these are high times to stand with each other and rise as a united nation. “It is time to put aside the minor differences and it is the hour of deciding to be a real nation” said Chairman HEC.
He maintained that since emergence of Pakistan a large number of Martyrs have sacrificed their lives to give us a safe and free homeland, lets be one to honor their cause. Addressing the Youth he said our youth must recognize the sacrifices of the forefathers and the martyrs.
He called upon the Academicians to inculcate the love of homeland in the hearts and minds of students and let them know about the history of our brave heroes.
“We owe our freedom & peace to unprecedented sacrifices of our martyrs and veterans” he said. Dr. Mukhtar added that today we have gathered to mark the Defense Day to pay tributes to the martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm commitment to defend the motherland against all threats. To pay tribute to the martyrs, recently released national song by ISPR was also played on the occasion.