(Asghar Ali Mubarak)…
Islamabad (TNS) On Pakistan Day, civil and military leadership appeared determined to end the scourge of terrorism. The 85th Pakistan Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across the country. The morning began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21 in the provincial capitals. Changing of the Guards ceremonies were held at the Quaid-e-Azam and Iqbal mizars.
A special Pakistan Day ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad. President Asif Zardari was the chief guest of the ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by important figures including foreign ambassadors. On the occasion of Pakistan Day, a parade of the armed forces was held at the Presidential Palace. The smart and agile contingents of the three armed forces were part of the parade. The troops of the Army, Navy and Air Force marched past and saluted the national flag. In the Pakistan Day parade, the Shaheens of the Pakistan Air Force performed a magnificent fly-past and terrified the enemy. The Sherdil Formation of the Pakistan Air Force performed a magnificent aerial display. JF-17 Thunder, F-16, J-10C and Mirage aircraft impressed the spectators.
Army Chief General Asim Munir, Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, and Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani also attended the ceremony. President Asif Ali Zardari, in his address to the participants of the Pakistan Day ceremony, said that today we remember the sacrifices of millions of Muslims. Thanks to millions of sacrifices, the dream of Pakistan has become a reality. We pay tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs. We achieved freedom by making many sacrifices. We fought against external and internal terrorism. India always looks at Pakistan with a malicious eye. Pakistan’s goal is a strong and modern Islamic welfare state. We will thwart the evil intentions of Fitna-ul-Kharij and other terrorist organizations. We will not allow elements spreading hatred and despair among the young generation to succeed. The President said that today we have not forgotten our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. God willing, Kashmir will definitely be free one day. The President said that we have to make a Pakistan that is powerful and developed. I congratulate you on holding a magnificent parade. The nation stands by the armed forces to eradicate the scourge of terrorism. President Zardari said that Fifth Generation Warfare is a major challenge. We are a courageous nation, capable of overcoming challenges, and will not hesitate to make any sacrifice to protect the motherland. We have fought against external and internal terrorism head-on and will eradicate terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in his message on Pakistan Day that the journey from an emerging nation to a nuclear power was made with perseverance and strong determination. Our journey is not over. We have to take the country to further heights of development. We salute the martyrs who laid down their lives in the defense of the homeland.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Services Chiefs have congratulated the nation on Pakistan Day. A statement issued by the ISPR said that March 23, 1940, is that moment in history that paved the way for the establishment of Pakistan. By the grace of Allah, the nation is progressing under the principles of democracy and Islam. In her message, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to the struggle of the founders of Pakistan and the sacrifices of the martyrs, saying that March 23 reminds us of the golden goals and objectives of the establishment of Pakistan. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated the entire nation on Pakistan Day. In her message, she said that Allah Almighty has also bestowed upon Pakistan the unique honor of becoming the first nuclear power in the Islamic world. On Pakistan Day, the pledge of the sanctity and protection of the holy land should be reiterated. Maryam Nawaz said that on Pakistan Day, the golden principles of unity, faith and discipline should also be reiterated and remembered. Pakistan is an unexpected blessing bestowed by Allah Almighty on all of us. On Pakistan Day, we pledge to reduce poverty, inequality and protect the weaker sections of the society.
Pakistan Day reminds us of the beginning of the vigorous struggle for the achievement of Pakistan. She said that let us pledge today that on Pakistan Day, we will use all our capabilities to include our beloved homeland in the ranks of developed countries. Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari says that the Muslim League built Pakistan and the Muslim League is improving it. The Pakistan of Quaid and Iqbal is progressing today under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif. Uzma Bukhari said that Pakistan Day is the name of a new thought, new courage and passion, March 23 reminds us to become a unique and great nation in the world. Pakistan was created to move forward, it has to move forward, the great nation has to embark on a journey of prosperity by eliminating all internal and external conspiracies, the services of the Pakistani armed forces for the security and defense of the country are unforgettable. The provincial minister said that the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect the holy land are the pride of the nation. Governor Sindh Muhammad Kamran Tesori, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah along with members of the provincial cabinet attended the Quaid-e-Azam’s tomb on Pakistan Day, laid wreaths and recited Fateha. Both the leaders prayed for the country’s development, security and the end of terrorism, later they also recorded their impressions in the guest book. The Sindh Governor said that when it comes to Pakistan, we should put politics behind us, terrorists will be expelled from the country within 3 months. Meanwhile, a Pakistan Day ceremony was held at the Pakistani Embassy in the French capital, Paris. In a grand ceremony on the occasion of the national day, Pakistani Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch inaugurated the ceremony by hoisting the green crescent flag. A large number of members of the Pakistani community attended the ceremony. Special messages from the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister were read out. Ambassador of Pakistan Mumtaz Zahra Baloch highlighted the importance of this day, highlighting the strong old relations between Pakistan and France in various fields and emphasizing the need to further strengthen them. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch described March 23, 1940 as an important chapter in the history of the Pakistan Resolution, on the basis of which the Muslims of India were declared a separate nation, which paved the way for the establishment of Pakistan in 1947. The ceremony concluded with prayers for the security, welfare and prosperity of Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah around the world. It may be recalled that the Pakistan Day ceremony was celebrated in a dignified manner at the Pakistani Embassy in Brussels, in which the vision of the founders of Pakistan and the enduring values enshrined in the 1940 Pakistan Resolution were reiterated. At the beginning of the ceremony, Charge d’Affaires Faraz Zaidi hoisted the flag, after which the resonant tune of the national anthem was played. Members of the Pakistani community in Belgium and Luxembourg, including families, women and children, enthusiastically participated in the event and paid tribute to Pakistan’s determination, unity and journey of progress. Official messages from the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister were also read out on the occasion, highlighting the historical significance of March 23 and reiterating the pledge to adhere to the principles of unity, firm belief and sacrifice, and emphasizing the promotion of national progress, democratic values and social justice. They paid tribute to the sacrifices of the founders of Pakistan, martyrs and national heroes and reiterated their commitment to continue supporting the struggle of the oppressed people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine for their right to self-determination. In his address, Faraz Zaidi highlighted the enduring significance of the Lahore Resolution of 1940, which formed the basis of the establishment of Pakistan. He urged the community to uphold national unity and values, contribute positively to the development of Pakistan and the host country, and be proud representatives of their homeland abroad. The event concluded with prayers for the security, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan. Participants appreciated the spirit of patriotism and the efforts made by the embassy to connect the Pakistani community abroad. The Pakistan Day event in Brussels was a reflection of the nation’s shared history, sacrifices, and collective resolve to build a more inclusive, stable, and prosperous Pakistan.
