Part 2 of 5 in our Defence Day series.
What Is Defence Day and Why Does It Matter?
Defence Day, known in Urdu as Youm-e-Difa, is observed every year on 6 September across Pakistan. It is a day of deep national remembrance, pride, and gratitude. On this date in 1965, Pakistani soldiers, airmen, sailors, and ordinary citizens stood shoulder to shoulder to protect their homeland when it faced one of the gravest tests in its young history. More than six decades later, the spirit of that September has not faded, it burns brighter with every passing year.
The Background: What Happened on 6 September 1965?
To understand Defence Day, we must go back to the summer of 1965. Tensions between Pakistan and India, rooted largely in the unresolved Kashmir dispute, had been building since both countries gained independence in 1947. By the hot months of 1965, those tensions had reached a breaking point.
In the early hours of 6 September 1965, Indian forces crossed Pakistan’s international border and launched a large-scale attack aimed at Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city and cultural heart. The Indian military crossed the international boundary of West Pakistan at 3 a.m. on September 6, 1965, and launched a three-pronged onslaught against Lahore. It was an assault that came under the cover of darkness, designed to catch Pakistan off guard.
But Pakistan’s armed forces, and its people, did not break. Even though taken by surprise, heavily unequipped, and unprepared, the armed forces of Pakistan fought back with zeal and conviction, protecting our cities. What followed was a 17-day war that saw fierce battles on both sides. The conflict ended when Pakistan accepted a UN-mandated ceasefire on 23 September. Afterwards, the conflict was followed by the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966.
One battle from this war deserves special mention: several key battles are remembered, including the defence of Lahore, Sialkot, and the famous Battle of Chawinda, one of the largest tank battles since World War II, where Pakistani forces managed to halt the advance despite being outnumbered.
The Heroes We Salute on Defence Day
Defence Day is, above all, a day to remember the people who gave everything for Pakistan. The names of many martyrs and heroes of the 1965 war are etched in the hearts of Pakistanis. Here are some of the most honoured among them:
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military honour, for his bravery in defending Lahore. Despite being under heavy fire, he refused to retreat and played a key role in halting the Indian advance, ultimately sacrificing his life. His company was vastly outnumbered in the Burki sector, yet he and his men fought bravely and held their ground. He was seriously injured but refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his men until he succumbed to his wounds. His famous words, reported to be, “I will shed the last drop of my blood in the defence of my dear homeland,” remain an inspiration to every Pakistani.
Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam, The Ace of the Skies
Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam is the iconic fighter pilot who shot down five Indian aircraft in a single sortie, setting a world record and becoming a symbol of Pakistan’s aerial superiority during the war. Squadron Leader Alam’s contributions were honoured with the Sitara-e-Jurat. MM Alam’s name is spoken with reverence by every aviation enthusiast in Pakistan to this day.
Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider
He was a member of the Pakistan Army’s medical corps serving in the Sialkot sector. Despite being unarmed and not trained in combat, he volunteered to treat the wounded soldiers on the front lines. On 7 September 1965, Major Tufail Muhammad was attending to the wounded when an artillery shell exploded near him. He was seriously injured but continued to treat the wounded until he collapsed and died. His selfless courage reminds us that heroism takes many forms.
The Whole Nation Stood Up
It was not only the soldiers who answered the call. Defence Day honours the courage of those who fought on the front lines as well as the millions of civilians who stood in solidarity with the armed forces. Everyone, from children to adults, helped the war effort by raising money, training as civilian guards, or working as nurses. Pakistan’s defence in 1965 was truly a national effort. As per available accounts, fifty-eight non-Muslim military personnel laid their lives for Pakistan, including six non-Muslim soldiers in the war of 1965, a powerful reminder that Pakistan belongs to all its citizens.
How Pakistan Observes Defence Day
Events are held nationwide on Youm-e-Difa, which include flag-hoisting ceremonies, military parades, and exhibitions to honour those who fought and sacrificed their lives in the 1965 war. The day typically begins with special prayers for the fallen soldiers, followed by military parades and exhibitions that showcase Pakistan’s defence capabilities. At the army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, a special wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Martyrs’ Monument to honour those who gave their lives.
Schools and colleges often organise special programmes and events to educate students about the significance of the day and its history. Media outlets broadcast documentaries and interviews with veteran soldiers, witnesses, and their families, providing a platform for sharing their stories of valour and sacrifice.
Defence Day in the Modern Era: A Living Legacy
Defence Day is not just a look back at history, it is also a forward-looking commitment. Fifty-nine years on, the Armed Forces of Pakistan unceasingly show the same ever-ready state of alertness, professional excellence, and war preparedness while upkeeping the ‘Spirit of September’ that has become a symbol of resistance and resilience.
In 2025, Pakistan’s Defence Day observances took on even deeper meaning. The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad held a Defence Day commemoration under the theme “Marka-e-Haq and the Future of Warfare in South Asia,” bringing together researchers, interns, and students to reflect on the region’s deterrence dynamics and the impact of emerging technologies on future conflict. Speakers paid tribute to the armed forces and martyrs, reviewed the evolution of Pakistan’s deterrent posture, and called for modernisation and strategic preparedness.
This blend of remembrance and forward thinking is what makes Defence Day so meaningful. Pakistan honours its past heroes while equipping the next generation, technologically, intellectually, and morally, to carry the nation forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Defence Day
When is Defence Day celebrated in Pakistan?
Defence Day is celebrated in Pakistan as a national day on 6 September every year to commemorate the sacrifices made by Pakistani soldiers in defending its borders. The date marks the anniversary of the 1965 war.
What is the Urdu name for Defence Day?
Defence Day is officially called Youm-e-Difa (یومِ دفاع) in Urdu. It is also referred to as Defence and Martyrs’ Day in official government communications, honouring both the Ghazis (veterans) and the Shuhada (martyrs).
Who was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider in the 1965 war?
Major Aziz Bhatti and Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas were awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military honour, for their valiant actions. Major Tufail Muhammad was also awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for extraordinary bravery during the same period, serving as a medical officer who sacrificed himself to save wounded soldiers on the front line.
How long did the 1965 war last?
The 1965 war lasted 17 days, from 6 September until 23 September 1965, when a UN-mandated ceasefire came into effect. Despite being at a numerical disadvantage in terms of manpower and equipment, Pakistan’s soldiers bravely defended the country until the truce, and the rivals were not successful in getting any piece of Pakistani land.
A Nation That Remembers, A Nation That Endures
Every year as September arrives, Pakistan pauses to remember. Flags are raised. Prayers are offered. The stories of Aziz Bhatti, MM Alam, Tufail Muhammad, and countless unnamed heroes are told again, in homes, classrooms, and public squares from Karachi to Gilgit.
Defence Day encourages citizens to reflect on the values of patriotism, sacrifice, and unity, and to honour the legacy of those who defended their country. The legacy of 6 September continues to inspire future generations to uphold the values of bravery, loyalty, and patriotism.
At TechX.pk, we bow our heads in respect to every soldier, every airman, every sailor, every nurse, and every civilian who chose Pakistan over their own safety. Their sacrifice built the ground we stand on. May their memory never fade, and may this nation always be worthy of what they gave.
Pakistan Zindabad.
Disclaimer: This article has been compiled from information publicly available on the internet and from published sources. The featured image is AI generated and is for illustration only. If you notice anything that needs correction, please contact us.
