ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Day celebrations Saturday began with fresh vows to work towards the country’s progress and stability.
The iconic military parade remains the day’s most significant feature where the armed forces’ contingents and other security forces conducted a march past, while fighter planes presented aerobatic maneuvers.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud is the guest of honour in today’s event while the contingents of China and Azerbaijan will also feature in the parade.
President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and all the services chiefs are present at the occasion.
Pakistan Day
The day marks the adoption of the historic Lahore Resolution on this day in 1940 which provided a framework for the realisation of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the prosperity and solidarity of the country.
The national flag is hoisted on major government buildings.
Change of guard ceremonies
Change of guard ceremonies were held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and Dr Allama Iqbal in Lahore.
Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mahmood was the chief guest at the ceremony held at Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore where Pakistan Airforce troops took over guard duty from Chenab Rangers.
President, PM messages
In his message on Pakistan Day, President Asif Ali Zardari stressed upon the nation to participate in the nation-building process actively, embracing the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion.
He honoured the commitment and sacrifices made by the Quaid-e-Azam and his companions.
The president said the armed forces, civil administration, police and law enforcement agencies have, with unwavering commitment, ensured the safety, security, and sovereignty of our nation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked the nation to renew its firm resolve to follow in the footsteps of the founding fathers to make Pakistan a trivet of peace, progress and stability.
The premier said our forefathers made untiring efforts and rendered exemplary sacrifices for Pakistan as millions of Muslims left their homes in India and decided to migrate to Pakistan.
The prime minister said we are completely cognizant of the serious challenges confronting Pakistan currently including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism.
He assured to stand committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework.
