KARACHI (WNAM REPORT ): Change of Guards ceremony was held on Sunday at Mazar-e-Quaid to commemorate Defence Day of Pakistan and to pay homage to the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. A smartly turned-out contingent comprising 72 aviation cadets of Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan assumed the guard duties at the mausoleum. Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal, Air Officer Commanding, PAF Academy Asghar Khan, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
The proceedings of the day commenced with recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers for the Shuhada who rendered the supreme sacrifice in the defence of motherland. The Chief Guest laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum, offered Fateha and inscribed his remarks in the guest book, wherein he reaffirmed his profound respect for Quaid-e-Azam’s enduring vision and leadership.
In his address, he said that 6 September reminds the nation of the historic day when the Armed Forces of Pakistan thwarted the nefarious designs of the enemy and defended the homeland with courage and valour. Paying tribute to the Shuhada, he said that whether during the 1965 and 1971 wars or Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan Air Force has always lived up to the expectations of the resilient people of Pakistan and made national security its foremost mission. He highlighted that Marka-e-Haq was an unprecedented demonstration of discipline, mutual coordination and timely integrated employment of all elements which enabled Pakistan, by the grace of Allah Almighty, to achieve a decisive victory against aggression.
Reiterating PAF’s unwavering resolve to defend Pakistan, the Air Officer Commanding assured that the defence of the country’s airspace remains in the capable hands of the Pakistan Air Force. He said that under the visionary leadership of Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, PAF has evolved into a Next Generation Air Force. He highlighted that advancements in emerging technologies, advanced weapon systems, space, cyber, artificial intelligence and information technology, complemented by state-of-the-art infrastructure and multi-domain capabilities, have further strengthened PAF’s operational preparedness.
He emphasised that while modern technologies play a vital role in enhancing PAF’s defensive capability, its true strength lies in the courage of its people, professional competence, high standards of training and ability to make timely decisions. Reaffirming Pakistan’s desire for peace, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal said that Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty and dignity. The ceremony concluded with a renewed pledge to uphold the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam and to ensure the defence of motherland remains impregnable.
