Defense Day was observed in the country with simplicity but with national zeal and enthusiasm due to the unprecedented devastating floods. All the governmental functions were called off due to the conditions caused by the floods and the expenditure will be donated to the funds for the flood affectees. Special prayers were made in the mosques for the solidarity of the nation and homage was paid to those who sacrificed their lives for the country. In Lahore on 45th Defense Day, Pak Army officers laid flower wreath at the mausoleum of the poet of east, Allama Iqbal. On this occasion Pak Army Rangers presented guard of honour. Commander Mazhar Jameel laid flowers and recited fatiha. Moreover, Defense Day was celebrated with zeal in the world's highest flash point at Siachen and frontiers of Line of Aikchol Duty. The day started in Sakrdu and Ganchay with Fajr prayer and fateh khwani for the Pak Army as well as civilians and prayers for the solidarity and stability of the nation. Flag hoisting ceremony was observed at Army posts by the Army units posted on the heights of Kiltri and Oldeng sectors. The Pak Army commanders revived their oath of sacrificing their lives for the country and homage was paid to the martyrs. In Baltistan Division of Skardu and Ganchay districts, people visited the graves of the civilians and army martyred for fateha khwani and renewed their promise for laying down their lives for the protection of the frontiers. In Yaseen, district Ghazr of Gilgit Baltistan, special gathering was held at the grave of the Lalak Jan Shaheed Haider who was martyred in Kargil War. Major General Qamar Javed recited fateha at the grave and laid flower wreaths on the behalf of the Pak Army. Northern Light Regiment offered guard of honour. Addressing the occasion Maj. Gen. Qamar Javed paid homage to the Lalak Jan Shaheed and remembered him in profound words. The parents of Lalak Jan Shaheed, family members, residents of the area as well as the existing and former army officers were present on the occasion. Moreover, change of guard ceremony took place at the mausoleum of the Quaid-e-Azam in which Pak Air force contingent took the responsibility. Prayers were said for the defense, stability and prosperity of the nation and the martyred were remembered in golden words and for the recovery from the curse of floods, economic recession and terrorism. Meanwhile According to ISPR, The Defence Day of Pakistan was celebrated with traditional fervour and simplicity in Lahore Garrison to commemorate the heroic deeds of Pakistan Army in defence of the motherland during 1965 war. The day-long celebrations started with Quran Khawani, while special prayers were offered for sovereignty, solidarity and integrity of Pakistan after Namaz-e-Fajr. The day dawned with hoisting of National Flag on all Formation Headquarters, Units and Army installations. A ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal to pay homage to the National Poet, which was attended by civil and military officials. Garrison Commander, Major General Mazhar Jamil laid floral wreath and offered 'Fateha'. A contingent of Pakistan Rangers Punjab presented the salute. A special ceremony was held at the grave of Major Shabbir Sharif (Shaheed), Nishan-e-Haider to pay homage and commemorate his sacrifice. General Officer Commanding, Major General Azeem Asif alongwith family members of martyr laid floral wreath and offered 'Fateha'. A smartly turned out contingent of Frontier Force Regiment of Pakistan Army presented the salute. Members belonging to all cross-section of society kept on visiting the grave throughout the day to pay their respect to the Great War hero. Similar ceremonies were also held at Army Graveyard Lahore and Gunj-e-Shuhada near Kasur, where floral wreaths were laid on the memorial of Brigadier Ahsan Rashid Shami (Shaheed), Hilal-e-Jurrat and graves of other Shuhada.