On Sunday, Pakistan Day was celebrated nationwide with an extraordinary display of patriotic enthusiasm and fervent spirit. The President House (Aiwan-e-Sadr) in Islamabad took center stage, hosting the grand military parade that annually commemorates the landmark 1940 Lahore Resolution, a crucial blueprint in the realization of a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia by August 1947.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, along with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, attended the spectacular Pakistan Day parade. In his address, President Zardari highlighted the geopolitical challenges Pakistan faces today, acknowledging the unparalleled sacrifices made by the valiant armed forces, supported staunchly by the nation.
The event was graced by the presence of the Prime Minister, Service Chiefs, top military brass, Federal Ministers, parliamentarians, and notable figures from the Pakistan-based diplomatic corps. This significant day marks the Lahore Resolution passed on March 23, 1940, and the historic adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan on March 23, 1956.
The President paid homage to the countless Muslims who sacrificed everything for the birth of Pakistan, turning a dream into a tangible reality. In honor of the martyrs, he underscored the vision behind Pakistan’s inception: to forge a modern welfare state anchored in equality, justice, and the rule of law.
Reiterating Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to advocating for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, the President urged the international community to uphold the UN resolutions aimed at resolving the Kashmir issue. He also expressed solidarity with the Palestinians, calling for decisive international intervention to halt the ongoing genocide of Palestinians.
During the ceremony, a spectacular flypast was performed by formations of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). On this occasion, the President reviewed the smartly turned-out contingents of the armed forces participating in the parade. Earlier, the day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in the provinces.