- Gun salutes mark Pakistan Day in major cities.
- Leaders emphasize achievements in unity and national security.
- Simple ceremonies organized throughout the country as part of austerity policy.
Pakistan Day was celebrated across the country on Monday with traditional zeal and patriotic fervor, but with simple ceremonies, in line with the austerity measures announced by the government in light of the ongoing oil crisis in the Gulf.
Pakistan Day, celebrated on March 23 every year, commemorates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, when the All India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for Muslims in the British Indian Empire.
Last week, the federal government announced austerity measures to deal with the situation resulting from the US-Israel war against Iran, which led to a global oil crisis affecting various countries, including Pakistan.
The day began with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals, while flag-hoisting ceremonies were held across the country to commemorate the historic event.
In Lahore, a dignified changing of guard ceremony was held at the Allama Iqbal Mausoleum, where a contingent of Pakistan Air Force performed the ceremonial duties.
The day is celebrated with a renewed commitment to the ideals of the Pakistani Resolution, alongside adherence to broader austerity policies.
“Unity and solidarity”
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate messages, extended their sincere congratulations to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day.
In his message, President Zardari said that Pakistan Day serves as a reminder that unity and solidarity are essential to transform national resolve into reality. He highlighted that the Pakistan Resolution of 1940 laid the foundation for a separate homeland, paying tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s founding leaders.
He said that despite early challenges following independence, Pakistan has made remarkable progress through collective efforts, including building strong institutions, acquiring nuclear capability and successfully combating terrorism.
Referring to recent developments, the President said the country responded decisively to the aggression at Marka-e-Haq, teaching the enemy a lesson to remember. He added that operations such as Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq have yielded significant results in combating threats.
He reiterated that Pakistan would not allow any group, including Fitna al-Khawarij or other elements, to use foreign territory against it, pledging to eliminate terrorism and safeguard national security.
The President also highlighted continuing challenges, including the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), terming it an unfinished partition agenda, and called on the international community to ensure the right to self-determination of Kashmiris.
He further called for global efforts to end atrocities against Palestinians and stressed the need to resolve tensions in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy.
“Regional and global peace”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his message, said Pakistan has steered its economy towards stability despite significant challenges, citing falling inflation and improving investor confidence as signs of progress.
He described March 23 as a historic milestone that united Muslims of the subcontinent, leading to the creation of Pakistan in seven years under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The prime minister praised the armed forces for their professionalism and sacrifices in defending the country, saying recent operations had demonstrated Pakistan’s “impregnable defense and unwavering resolve”.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional and global peace, emphasizing that lasting stability in South Asia is linked to a just resolution of the Kashmir conflict. He also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for diplomacy to ease tensions in the Middle East.
“National sovereignty”
Meanwhile, leaders of the armed forces, Chief of Defense Force (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of Air Staff, Field Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, extended their felicitations to the nation, describing March 23 as a defining moment that shaped the destiny of the Pakistan.
“March 23, 1940 constitutes a defining moment in our history, as it was the day that crystallized our collective vision and laid the foundations for the creation of an independent homeland,” said a message published by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
With unwavering determination and divine guidance, the ISPR said, Pakistan remains committed to strengthening its democratic institutions, ensuring national security and safeguarding the welfare of its citizens.
They reaffirmed the army’s commitment to defending national sovereignty, combating terrorism and ensuring internal security, while emphasizing Pakistan’s role as a responsible member of the international community promoting peace and stability.
“As our nation continues to face the threat of terrorism and extremism, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, alongside our resilient people and law enforcement agencies, remain united and steadfast in our resolve to eradicate threats to Pakistan’s security.
“The ever vigilant and steadfast Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their enduring commitment to defend our sacred borders, protect national sovereignty and maintain internal security against all forms of aggression and terrorism,” the statement added.
