BEIJING – Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing hosted solemn Defence and Martyrs’ Day ceremony, bringing together senior Chinese civilian and military officials, diplomats, defence attachés, media representatives and members of the Pakistani community to honour the soldiers who laid down their lives defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The event placed the courage, professional capabilities and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces at the centre of proceedings, while also underscoring the longstanding strategic friendship between Pakistan and China.
Lieutenant General Lu Huicheng, Secretary of the Commission for Discipline Inspection of the People’s Liberation Army and Director of the Supervisory Commission, attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
The gathering drew senior Chinese civil and military officials, members of the diplomatic corps, defence attachés from various embassies, media representatives, members of the Pakistani community and officers and staff of the Pakistani Embassy.
The ceremony opened with the national anthems of Pakistan and China, performed by students of the Pakistan Embassy College Beijing, setting a solemn tone for an event dedicated to remembering Pakistan’s fallen heroes.
Documentaries screened during the ceremony revisited the bravery and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces during the 1965 war. The films also showcased the military’s role beyond conventional defence, highlighting its response to natural disasters, participation in international peacekeeping missions and contributions to regional and global peace and stability.
In his welcome remarks, Pakistan Embassy Defence and Army Attaché Brigadier Ali Asghar Khan highlighted the professional capabilities and dedication of Pakistan’s armed forces in safeguarding the country’s defence and security.
Addressing the gathering, Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy Izzaz Khan paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defence of Pakistan. He also highlighted the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation for regional peace, stability and security.
The ceremony concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts between the chief guest, the Acting Chargé d’Affaires and the Defence and Army Attaché, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony.
