More About Defence Day
The Spirit of Defence Day
Defence Day Celebrations Around Pakistan
Defence Day or Youm-e-Difa is celebrated on the 6th of September every year to honour and remember the sacrifices of our armed forces over the years to protect us against our enemies and ensure our independence. Being a federal holiday until the end of the 1990s, the day is no longer an official holiday. However, the spirit behind the day remains. Events are hosted by the armed forces to celebrate the Defence Day of Pakistan with passion and zeal in every major city.
Defence Day: Remembering the Heroes of the 1965 War
The significance of Defence Day can be traced back to 1965 when Indian forces led an attack on Pakistani Punjab, and the Pak Army suffered heavy casualties in protecting its homeland. Parades are held on the day to honour not just the serving, but also the martyred and retired soldiers who gave their lives and services to protect the country from harm. We’ve shared a few of the lesser-known stories of the Indo-Pak War of 1965 in the video below:
The Spirit of Defence Day
“The central idea behind the song is how we are passing on the spirit of Patriotism from one generation to the next. Not only our values and traditions but also our deep respect and love for this country we call Pakistan. As this love is passed on from a father or mother to their son or daughter, we showcase that the next generation wears this badge of loyalty on their chest with pride. The Music video consists of two generations of musicians not only passing on their craft to the next generation but also what they hold closest to their hearts…Pakistan!” — this excerpt is taken from ISPR’s official YouTube channel
How Defence Day is Observed Around Pakistan
As Defence Day rolls around this year, here is a brief overview of the celebrations, preparations, and plans that you can partake in, based on your city of residence.
Change of Guards—Mazar-e-Quaid, Karachi & Iqbal’s Mausoleum, Lahore
A ‘Change of Guards’ ceremony is held at Mazar-e-Quaid and Iqbal’s Mausoleum every year, where young cadets from the Pakistan Armed Forces take up guard duty in place of their brethren.
Parades and Weapons’ Exhibitions
Defence Day celebrations generally maintain a standard theme every year, with the Pakistan Army displaying its latest weapons, tanks, missiles, and aircraft, in an exhibition that is open for all. Parades and air shows are held at various locations in quite a few cities, and Fortress Stadium in Lahore is where you should head to if you want to enjoy the festivities this year. Other popular locations are Karnal Sher Khan Stadium in Peshawar, GHQ in Rawalpindi, and Malir Cantt in Karachi. The air show is not to be missed as Pakistani fighter jets are some of the best in the world.
Television Shows
While you can visit the parades personally, you also have the option of watching Defence Day celebrations across Pakistan, live, from the comfort of your home. All major news channel stream the events live. Aside from that, special documentaries featuring serving or retired officers are also broadcasted to keep the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice alive. Historical accounts of 6th September 1965 and the war of 1965, as well as a playlist of national songs, are also commonly blended into the mix each year.
Defence Day Sales and Discounts
Defence Day of Pakistan is celebrated with gusto by the commercial sector, with several brands offering discounts, sales, and exclusive merchandise in tones of green and white, which represent our national flag.
Defence Day sales and discounts are also announced by famous clothing, tech, and furniture brands across the country. While some have already released the news for the upcoming sale, others choose to do so on the day, with discounts generally lasting over a period of three days to give people plenty of time to shop to their heart’s content. You can check out the social media pages of your favourite brands for more updates on the latest Defence Day sales and discounts.
In the meantime, keep following Zameen Blog as we bring you updates on what’s happening around Pakistan. Drop us an email at blog@zameen.com if you have any questions or suggestions.
