Celebrations of Pakistan’s 50th Defence Day are under way across the nation on Sunday as the day commenced with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, Radio Pakistan reported. Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the nation. President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the golden jubilee of Defence Day paid tribute to all those who laid down their lives and lost loved ones in the 1965 and 1971 wars and in the ongoing war against terrorism.

The leaders said they are fully aware of the conspiracies and tactics of the enemies and expressed a desire for regional peace and good relations with neighbouring countries.

President Mamnoon said that although Pakistan is a peace-loving country and desires regional peace, this desire must not be construed as a weakness.

PM Nawaz said Pakistan is a responsible and peaceful nuclear power, and its armed forces and other law enforcement agencies are determined to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country.

A Defence Day ceremony was held at the Naval Complex in Islamabad where Commodore Khalid Pervez was the chief guest.

Commodore Khalid Pervez said the morale of Pakistan’s armed forces is higher and firmer than ever and they are “prepared to thwart the nefarious designs of the enemy”. He paid tribute to the gallantry and courage of those who participated in, and lost their lives in, the 1965 war.

Change of Guard ceremonies were held at the Mazar-i-Iqbal in Lahore and the Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi.