KARACHI: The dignified guard-changing ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi on Defence Day, where a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) took over guard duties at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Air Officer Commanding Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan and Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal attended the ceremony as chief guests. The event formed part of the national commemorations marking Defence Day and paid tribute to the country’s founding father.
A contingent of 72 PAF cadets, including 64 male and eight female cadets, participated in the ceremonial parade at the mausoleum. The cadets presented a disciplined and impressive display before assuming responsibility for guarding the final resting place of Quaid-e-Azam.
The ceremony indicated the respect and reverence accorded to the founder of Pakistan while highlighting the role of the country’s armed forces in protecting national sovereignty.
During the ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal visited the mausoleum and laid a floral wreath at the grave of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He also offered his respects and paid tribute to the nation’s founder.
The guard-changing ceremony is traditionally regarded as an important part of Defence Day commemorations, bringing together national remembrance, military discipline and a renewed commitment to the country’s defence.
PAF Reaffirms Commitment to National Defence
Speaking on the occasion, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal said the Pakistan Air Force had once again demonstrated its defence capabilities by responding effectively to Indian aggression last year.
He said the PAF had remained committed to Pakistan’s security throughout its history, including during the 1965 war and what he described as the Markah-e-Haq.
He added that the force had consistently sought to meet the expectations of the Pakistani nation.
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Faisal said Pakistan’s airspace remained under the protection of the PAF and stressed that there would be no compromise on the country’s sovereignty and national dignity.
He confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force would continue to play its role in protecting Pakistan’s airspace, sovereignty and national security in the years ahead.
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The ceremony concluded with a renewed expression of respect for Quaid-e-Azam and a reaffirmation of the armed forces’ commitment to safeguarding the country.
