ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force was alive to the evolving regional situation and was fully prepared to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, the air chief said Tuesday.
The air force observes September 7 as Martyrs’ Day at its bases across the country.
On Tuesday, a ceremony was held at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Principal staff officers and a large number of airmen attended the event.
The day started with special prayers and Quran recitation for the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars and those who laid down their lives to defend the country since its birth.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu was the chief guest at the ceremony.
During his address, Sindhu paid tribute to all heroes of the air force who responded to the nation’s call with unparalleled courage and put their lives ahead of others for a cause greater than life.
He extended reverence to the generations of Kashmiris who have laid down their lives fighting for freedom.
He assured the people of Kashmir of resolute commitment and steadfast moral, political and diplomatic support.
Paying homage to the martyrs, the air chief laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered prayer. Senior air force officials attended the ceremony.
Earlier in the day, a wreath-laying ceremony was also held at the grave of Rashid Minhas in Karachi.
Air Vice Marshal Zaeem Afzal offered prayer and laid a wreath at the grave on behalf of Sidhu.
Similar ceremonies were also held at the graves of PAF martyrs across the country.
