Karachi, September 6, 2025: A dignified change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Defence Day, where a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan assumed guard duties.
The ceremony’s chief guest, Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan, laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum, recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book, and inspected the PAF contingent.
Addressing the ceremony, AVM Shehryar Khan said the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has never disappointed the nation and always lived up to expectations. “We stand prepared at every front, a wall of steel for the defence of our homeland. Next time, the score will not be 0–6 but 0–60,” he remarked, in a clear message to adversaries.
He said that enemies of Pakistan have always faced humiliation and that the armed forces are fully capable of giving a befitting response to any aggression. Referring to Operation Bunyān Mursūs, he said it revived the spirit of September 6, when Pakistan crushed the enemy’s nefarious designs.
Calling it an honour to take command on Defence Day, the AVM said the change of guards was not just a ritual but a reaffirmation of Quaid-e-Azam’s message of unity. He added that the PAF has played a leading role in both combat and humanitarian operations, including natural disaster relief and rescue missions, and under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu, the force has become more modernized.
“The entire nation is proud of the achievements of its armed forces. I assure you that Pakistan’s airspace is in safe and strong hands,” he stressed.
The commanding officer on duty also paid tribute to the martyrs, saying they sacrificed their lives to make Pakistan a cradle of peace. He extended homage to the parents of martyrs who offered their children for the nation’s defence.
Ceremonies at Iqbal’s mausoleum and Naval Headquarters
In Lahore, a similar change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, where contingents of the Pakistan Army and Rangers presented the guard of honour. Corps Commander Lahore Lt Gen Syed Fayaz Hussain Shah, the chief guest, laid a floral wreath, offered fateha, and inspected the parade.
Meanwhile, at Naval Headquarters Islamabad, a ceremony was held at the Martyrs’ Monument, attended by Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf as the chief guest. Floral wreaths were laid, fateha was offered, and rich tributes were paid to the sacrifices of naval martyrs.
Nation observes Defence & Martyrs Day
Defence and Martyrs Day is being observed nationwide today with patriotic fervor. The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, followed by special prayers after Fajr in mosques for Pakistan’s safety, prosperity, and progress.
It may be recalled that during the May 2025 conflict, Pakistan’s armed forces not only downed several advanced Indian Rafale fighter jets but also destroyed multiple enemy airfields, shattering India’s military pride.
