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Pakistani leaders call for unity to thwart enemy's designs

Homage paid to martyrs who sacrificed their lives to defend country.

Islamabad: Leaders of major political parties on Sunday urged the nation to forge unity in their ranks to thwart evil designs of country's enemies and eliminate the menace of terrorism.
The call came as the nation celebrated the 50th Defence Day with national zeal and fervour to pay homage to the martyrs who rendered sacrifices in defence of the motherland.
The day marked the hostilities that broke out in 1965 as Indian troops crossed international borders at various points in Punjab and Sindh to relieve pressure its forces faced in parts of the Indian-administered Kashmir.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital, a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals, and special prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the nation.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif laid a wreath at the monument of a war hero in the eastern city of Lahore.
Tributes were paid to the martyrs of the 1965 war by observing a one-minute silence at 9.29am.
The aim of observing silence was to convey a message of unity in defending the motherland.
This was followed by the airing of the national anthem by all broadcasting networks at 9.30am.
Fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force presented a splendid fly-past at a ceremony held at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad, with President Mamnoon Hussain as the chief guest.
PAF's JF-17 thunder fighter jets, F-16s, Mirage, Super Mashak and Sherdils presented aerobatics maneuvers amid cheers and clapping of spectators.
Helicopters of the Pakistan Army Aviation also participated in the fly-past. Personnel of Special Services Groups (SSG) displayed a breathtaking show of para-trooping while carrying the national flags. Neutral observers say the 17-day war ended in a draw though both sides claimed victory. Pakistan was able to defend itself from the onslaught of the enemy till the then Soviet Union sponsored a ceasefire.
In separate messages, national leaders including President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif, PTI chairman Imran Khan and JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman paid glowing tributes to country's armed forces for display of extraordinary courage and skills in defending the motherland.
They called upon the people to emulate the spirit of unity and determination visible in the 1965 war in confronting the latest existential threat from terrorism and stand behind the armed forces which are engaged in annihilating terrorism and extremism.
news@khaleejtimes.com
(With input from agencies)