ISLAMABAD: Elaborate plans, in place to mark the country’s 53rd Defense Day, were getting the final touches on Tuesday at the general headquarters in Rawalpindi.
The anniversary marks the end of Pakistan’s war with India in 1965 and is celebrated as a national holiday on September 6 each year.
Special traffic arrangements have also been made to avoid any untoward incident or security mishaps, Chief Traffic Officer Muhammad Bin Ashraf said. The Mall Road in Rawalpindi will remain closed today and tomorrow from 2pm onwards, while no traffic movement will be allowed on Thursday until the conclusion of the program.
Additional security is also being provided after the counter terrorism department (CTD) foiled an attempt to sabotage plans for the day. Pakistan military’s media wing – the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) – launched a campaign on Twitter called ‘Hamein Pyar Hai Pakistan Say’ (We love Pakistan), on Friday, releasing a series of videos in the process.
Last week, military spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor addressed a press conference highlighting the sacrifices of Pakistani citizens, civilians and military officials. “Every martyr of our nation should be visible on September 6,” he said.
Sophisticated missiles, tanks, guns and army aviation helicopters used by the Pakistan army, air force and navy will also be on display on the day. Air shows organized by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) along with a Defense Day parade and valiant performances by soldiers are also scheduled to take place, with dance performances and a rendition of national songs summing up the mood.
The events will be aired on national television though the day with documentaries lined up as part of the schedule. A change of guard ceremony is also expected to take place at the Jinnah Mausoleum in Karachi, where PAF’s cadets will present the guard of honor.
