LANDI KOTAL: Like elsewhere in the country, the 53rd Defense and Martyrs Day was observed on Thursday with zeal and enthusiasm in the Khyber Agency to pay tribute to the martyrs of 1965 war. The day was dawned with special prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country offered after the Morning Prayer (Fajr) in the mosques. In connection to the Defence Day, a number of programs were organized in various parts of Khyber Agency. In Landi Kotal, a simple but impressive gathering was organized in the cantonment area that was attended by the relatives of martyrs, tribal elders and other administration officials. The students of Khyber Rifles School presented national songs and tableaus at the gathering that amused the audience. Lieutenant Colonel Shahid Khan Niazi, who was the chief guest of the occasion, laid floral wrath on the monument of martyrs. The relatives of martyrs and general masses also visited the martyrs’ monument, placed floral wrath and offered Fateha for the departed souls. At the end, prizes and gifts were given to the heirs of the martyrs. Similarly, a program was arranged under the auspices of Sindh Regiment at the Bar-Bagh, Kamber Khel area of Tirah Valley of Bara sub-division, in which the Member National Assembly (MNA) from NA-44 Iqbal Afridi was the chief guest. Brigadier Sheryar Quershi, besides large number of locals, schools students and administration officials, were among the participants. Addressing on the occasion, Afridi paid great respect and homage to those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the motherland. He urged the people to prefer the national interest over personal one and work hard for the prosperity of the country. He vowed that jointly with the forces, the defense of Pakistan would be made invincible. The schools children presented speeches, tableaus and national songs that were appreciated by the audience. At the end, souvenirs and gifts were given to people from different walks of life. It is to be mentioned here that on September 6 1965, Indian forces launched a surprise attack on Pakistan and crossed the international border under the cover of darkness that was successfully repulsed by the Pakistan forces besides the fact that Pakistan was inferior to India in military competence. Published in Daily Times, September 7th 2018.