Karachi marks Defence Day, hails youth's role in cyber security

A commemorative Defence Day ceremony held in Karachi on Saturday put Pakistan's youth and cyber security at the center of the national security conversation, with speakers saying the country's future defense will be shaped as much online as on the battlefield. Organised with support from ISPR at a private hotel, the event brought together civil society, the business community, students and citizens to pay tribute to the martyrs of 1965 and to discuss modern challenges facing the country. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh for IT, Ali Rashid, said cyber warfare has now become as critical as conventional wars. He noted there was once a perception that India was ahead in cyber capabilities, but that changed during Maarka-E-Haq, Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. 'Pakistan's youth responded effectively and defended our national systems,' he said, adding that young people played a decisive role in countering digital threats. Rashid revealed that India recently attempted to hack some Pakistani accounts, but the effort was foiled in time. To build on that momentum, he said the Sindh government is launching multiple training programs in cyber security to equip young people with modern skills. 'With 60 percent of Pakistan's population under the age of 30, the country's future defense rests with its youth,' he told the audience. Former caretaker Sindh Interior Minister Brigadier Haris Nawaz also linked past and present forms of national defense. He recalled the morale boost provided by patriotic songs during the 1965 war and praised Field Marshal Asim Munir for uniting the nation and leading it to victory in the Battle of Truth. He urged citizens to stay united for the country's progress and security. Chief guest Former Sindh Governor, Lieutenant General Retired Moinuddin Haider reflected on Pakistan's military history, from the 1948 Kashmir war to today, and stressed the importance of passing these stories to younger generations. He said the sacrifices of martyrs remain the foundation of Pakistan's sovereignty. Other speakers emphasized that national defense now extends beyond borders to include economic stability, education, technology and cyber resilience. They called on youth to embrace the idea of Pakistaniat and take ownership of both traditional and digital frontlines. The ceremony concluded with prayers for Pakistan's prosperity, security and unity. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the mission of the martyrs and to build a stronger, more self-reliant Pakistan.