KARACHI, Sept 20(PR): Hamdard Foundation Pakistan, in collaboration with Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board, Qaumi Virsa-o-Sakhawat Division, Government of Pakistan, organized a thought-provoking session of the Hamdard Naunehal Assembly Karachi Chapter, presided over by Ms. Sadia Rashid, President HFP at the Mazar-e-Quaid Audio Visual Hall on September 19th, titled “Difa-e-Watan, Baqa-e-Watan.” The meeting was held to celebrate September 6th Defense Day, to pay deep respect to the martyrs, and to show support for the country’s armed forces.
During the meeting, speakers highlighted the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and the pivotal role of Pakistan’s armed forces in preserving peace and safeguarding the nation’s borders. Speakers also reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to serve Pakistan. Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi, the Vice Chancellor of NED University Karachi, was invited as the chief guest for the event. Abdul Aleem Sheikh, the Secretary/Resident Engineer of the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board, participated as the guest of honour. Syed Muhammad Arsalan, the director of HFP, also attended the meeting. The meeting was moderated by Dr. Sana Ghori, Manager Programmes and Publications(HFP), and Muhammad Mubeen Mughal, Speaker of Hamdard Naunehal Assembly.
Ms. Sadia Rashid, in her presidential address, recalled the proud and significant moments associated with 6th September Youm-e-Difa. “It is when our courageous and determined armed forces set exceptional examples of bravery, valor and sacrifice for the motherland. They valiantly defended the nation’s borders on September 6, 1965, a momentous day in our national history,” she said.
She further said “During that time, ordinary Pakistanis also stood as defenders of their country alongside the armed forces. The entire nation bravely rallied and thwarted against the enemy’s invasion. The memories of the Youm-e-Difa go beyond the valor displayed on the frontlines; they encompass the spirit of sacrifice, dedication to faith, and the achievements of our soldiers.”
“Defense Day serves as a reminder of the unwavering high morale of our entire nation, the unity of our people, and the memory of our martyred soldiers. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of solidarity,” she concluded.
Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi, the special guest, emphasized the importance of rekindling the same enthusiasm, hope, inspiration and optimism that were originally experienced by the Indian Muslims upon the creation of Pakistan. These sentiments are essential in today’s world because the nation faces challenges from various fronts, with enemies tirelessly conspiring to sow discord and promote negative sentiments against our national institutions.
“Defense Day holds great significance as it reminds us of the unity we displayed as a nation during the 1965 war. We must reignite the same sentiments to achieve unity as a nation because only through unity we can guide our beloved country towards the path of development and prosperity,” he said.
“Enemies are employing 5th Generation Warfare to distort Pakistan’s history, aiming to distance our young generation from the legacy of their forefathers and portray our heroes negatively. These efforts can influence young people who are not well-versed in history. It’s crucial to take measures that keep the younger generation connected to their history through reputable platforms like the Hamdard Naunehal Assembly. Observing the speeches and passionate addresses of the young speakers, I am deeply reassured that the future of Pakistan is promising,” he added.
Abdul Aleem Sheikh expressed his heartwarming appreciation for the children’s enthusiasm. He acknowledged the significant social service being carried out by Ms. Sadia Rashid Hamdard through the Naunehal Assembly.
Quoting Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said, he emphasized the importance of nurturing the younger generation as the key to making Pakistan prosper. He reminded the audience that September 6th was a day to honour martyrs of the 1965 war.
Young speakers from various schools highlighted that on Defense Day, September 6th, the armed forces of Pakistan bravely confronted a cunning enemy on multiple fronts. The people of Pakistan played a crucial role by providing morale support. During those testing times, the nation expressed its readiness to serve alongside the armed forces on the border. By the grace of Almighty Allah, Pakistan’s armed forces have never been deterred by the enemy’s numerical advantage in the past, or today.
During the meeting, students from KVTC school performed the national song. Asif Ilyas and his colleagues presented a specially arranged tableau on the topic. Towards the end of the gathering, the esteemed guests, along with Ms. Sadia Rashid, distributed gifts and certificates among the children. The meeting concluded with Dua-i-Said, presented by students from Hamdard Public School and Hamdard Village School.
