The nation celebrated the Pakistan Day with the traditional zeal on Sunday with the Aiwan-e-Sadr hosting the iconic military parade to commemorate the 1940 Lahore Resolution which provided a framework for the realisation of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia.
President Asif Zardari was the chief guest of this Pakistan Day parade — also attended by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, services chiefs and other dignitaries — which is being held at Aiwan-e-Sadr instead of the Shakarparian Parade Ground in Islamabad, which traditionally hosts the parade.
The Day began with a 31-gun and 21-gun salute in the federal capital and provinces, respectively. The Military Parade was held on a limited scale due to the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The parade also featured the march past of military personnel as well as the flypast of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets.
Addressing the event, President Zardari recalled the sacrifices of millions of Muslims, who laid down their lives for the creation of Pakistan. “We have achieved freedom by making many sacrifices,” he said while underscoring the significance of the Pakistan Day.
He stressed that the people of Pakistan and the armed forces stood together, and paid tribute to the martyrs, saying: “We have the ability to overcome difficulties [and] are not afraid of it.”
“The journey ahead of us is not easy, but it is not impossible. I appeal to everyone to devote all their energies to the development of the country. We have to rise above differences and work for a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan,” Zardari said.
Noting that Pakistan is facing various geopolitical challenges, the head of the state termed the youth as an essential capital of the country. He touched upon the country’s foreign policy, and said that it is based on the principles of peace and stability.
He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to establish strong ties with its neighbouring country and the international community. “On this day, we also remember our Kashmiri brothers, who have long been victims of Indian atrocities,” he said while reaffirming Islamabad’s unwavering commitment to raising its voice for Kashmiris on all global forums.
“Our goal is to build a strong, modern Islamic welfare state,” he said, stressing the importance of safeguarding the country’s independence, which was achieved through countless sacrifices.
“We will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for the protection and freedom of our motherland,” President Zardari declared. He also called on the nation to rise above differences and work towards a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan.
Meanwhile, in his Pakistan Day message the prime minister underscored that with the “right policies, dedicated efforts, and national unity, we can achieve economic prosperity, uphold social justice, and secure our rightful place among the nations of the world”.
The premier noted that Pakistan Day “reinforces our collective will and serves as a powerful reminder of the values of sacrifice and perseverance-principles embedded in our nation’s very foundation.”
“From an emerging nation to a nuclear power, our journey has been shaped by perseverance and unwavering determination. Yet, this is not where we stop. It will take steadfast will, tireless effort, and a collective vision to transform Pakistan into the nation envisioned by our founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he said.
On Independence Day last year, President Zardari announced the conferment of national awards for 104 Pakistanis and foreigners in recognition of their services, excellence, and sacrifices in their respective fields. The awards were presented to the awardees at an investiture ceremony on Sunday.
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