Nation marks Pakistan Day with calls for unity

KARACHI:

The nation marked Pakistan Day on Monday with gun salutes, official ceremonies and renewed pledges of national unity and progress.

Pakistan Day is observed to commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution, adopted on March 23, 1940, which set the agenda of a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent.

The day dawned with 31-gun salutes in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, symbolizing national sovereignty and professionalism of the armed forces.

Special prayers were offered at dawn for the country’s development, peace and prosperity, while celebrations across the country resounded with chants of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’.

Karachi

In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and new Governor Nihal Hashmi visited Mazar-e-Quaid, where members of the provincial cabinet and other officials were also present.

Addressing the media, the governor said, “Quaid-e-Azam determined the creation of Pakistan through a resolution,” adding, “We pay tribute to those who created Pakistan. »

He said the nation must continue to move forward, noting that “the destination set by our elders is yet to come”, and urged to “show the world that Pakistan is a great nation”.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to the country’s founder, saying, “On the occasion of Pakistan Day, we pay homage to Quaid-e-Azam, who laid the foundation of the country. » He added that the Pakistani resolution was adopted with the support of the Sindh Muslim League.

Read: President and Prime Minister call for unity in the face of challenges

Talking about national security, he said Pakistan grew stronger due to “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s nuclear programme” and the country’s defense was further strengthened over time. He also stressed the need for unity, saying: “We must overcome our internal differences.”

Governor Hashmi highlighted the situation in Kashmir, saying Kashmiris were facing oppression, and urged Muslim leaders to play their role in ending the conflict in the region.

President Zardari

President Asif Ali Zardari, in an article on

In the message, he said, “Let us pay homage to our national heroes and the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed themselves for the creation and stability of Pakistan and dedicated their lives for the security, stability and prosperity of the motherland. May Allah Almighty be our protector and sustainer. Ameen.”

Messages from the President and Prime Minister

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for national unity, resilience and collective efforts to help Pakistan overcome current challenges.

In separate messages on the occasion, both leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices of the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement and highlighted the need to strengthen democratic institutions, ensure rule of law and seek economic stability while facing internal and external challenges.

President Zardari said Pakistan Day serves as a reminder that unity and solidarity remain the most essential elements in transforming national aspirations into reality.

He recalled that on March 23, 1940, Muslims of the subcontinent adopted the Pakistan Resolution, laying the foundation for a separate homeland where they could live according to their beliefs and values.

Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s forefathers, the President said Pakistan had overcome many challenges since its inception in 1947 through collective efforts, hard work and determination.

He highlighted achievements including the creation of strong state institutions, the development of an impregnable defense capability and the acquisition of nuclear deterrence.

The president also spoke of Pakistan’s success in fighting terrorism and its resilience during natural disasters, describing them as examples of national unity and sacrifice.

He said that despite these achievements, the country continues to face challenges both internally and externally.

Referring to recent security operations, he said Pakistan had responded effectively to threats and would not allow any group to use foreign territory against its interests. He reiterated that elements that sponsor terrorism or attempt to undermine peace will be dealt with decisively.

On regional issues, President Zardari condemned human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and described Kashmir as the unfinished agenda of Partition.

He urged the international community to ensure the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

He also called for global efforts to end atrocities against Palestinians and stressed the need to resolve tensions in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy.

Highlighting national priorities, the president called for strengthening democratic institutions, reducing inequality, empowering women and eliminating extremism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his message, said the nation has demonstrated remarkable resilience since independence and is moving steadily towards a better future despite economic and security challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday called for unity and resilience, urging the nation to “stand firm” in the face of regional tensions in his Pakistan Day message.

Sending his greetings to citizens in a message on X, Dar paid tribute to the country’s founders. He said the nation honored “the steadfast and courageous efforts, vision and determination of our forefathers”, adding that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the movement with “remarkable resilience, bravery and conviction”.

Referring to the current situation, Dar said the region is “engulfed in conflicts”, with economic and political repercussions also affecting Pakistan. He expressed hope that the nation, “while remaining true to the values ​​of unity, faith and discipline, will be unwavering and that together we will successfully meet this challenge.”

He reiterated that Pakistan “remains firmly committed to eradicating the threat of terrorism” and paid tribute to the security forces, saying they “sacrifice their lives in this pursuit”.

On Kashmir, Dar said Pakistan “remains steadfast in its commitment to providing moral and diplomatic support” until the people achieve their right to self-determination.

He also praised overseas Pakistanis for their “patriotism, dedication and hard work”, stressing that they “play a vital role in the future success of the country”.