Nation observes Pakistan Day with great zeal and zest

23rd march to be observed with avidity all over Pakistan

LAHORE (Dunya News) – The nation is celebrating Pakistan Day today with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and to ensure its progress, prosperity and a strong defense. Pakistan Day is celebrated in the remembrance of the passing of revolutionary Lahore resolution that significantly altered the course of history and it is believed to be the first step towards materialising the dream of a muslim country. Hence, at August 14, 1947, Pakistan was carved out of the heartland of sub-continent.

The resolution was passed in Manto Park during a session of All-India Muslim League (AIML) back in 1940. A monument named ‘Minar-e-Pakistan’ was also constructed as a memory of this pivotal step.

The armed forces started the day by preforming salute of 31 cannons at federal capital and 21 at provincial capitals. Special prayers will be made through-out the country for prosperity of Pakistan, whereas, minorities will pay tribute in their own ways. It will be worth mentioning that due to thrift economic policies of the government, usual Pakistan Day parade will be held at a limited scale within President House.

A change of guard and wreath laying ceremony was also held at the Mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Air Vice-Marshal Syed Imran Majid Ali, Air Officer Commanding, PAF Airmen Academy, Korangi Creek was the Chief Guest.

A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force took over guard duties from Rangers. The Chief Guest laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha at the grave of Allama Iqbal.

 

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) March 23, 2023

In a message on Pakistan Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan came into being as a result of political and constitutional struggle and its future lies in adhering to the constitution in its letter and spirit.

The premier said Pakistan is destined to achieve great heights. However, he said for this to become a reality, we have to forge unity in our ranks, equip ourselves with national purpose and vow to wage a struggle in line with the legacy of our forefathers.

He said the establishment of Pakistan was certainly a miracle of the 20th century. He said as a member of international community, Pakistan has always played the role of a responsible nation in the resolution of problems facing humanity and the establishment of global peace.

In his message, President Dr Arif Alvi has expressed confidence that Pakistan has the ability to overcome the challenges it faced today and said that working with unity, faith, and discipline would make the country strong and prosperous.

He mentioned that the country established state institutions, made its defence impregnable, achieved nuclear deterrence, curbed terrorism, overcame the COVID-19 pandemic, and displayed the spirit of sacrifice and cooperation in the face of natural calamities.

However, he said, “We still have a long way to go to ensure the rule of law, strengthen democracy, reduce inequalities in our society, empower women, provide the rights of persons with disabilities, eradicate terrorism and extremism, ensure the political and economic stability of the country, and protect the human rights of our citizens.”

He felicitated the entire Pakistani nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day and said it was on this day in 1940 that Muslims of the sub-continent passed the Pakistan Resolution and made the demand for a separate homeland where they could freely lead their lives in accordance with Islamic ideals.

Message from President Dr. Arif Alvi on the occassion of Pakistan Day.#PakistanResolutionDay pic.twitter.com/EtUEusnVU9

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 23, 2023

“Today, we pay tribute to the founding fathers of our nation whose struggles and sacrifices led to the creation of Pakistan,” he said. The president said the persecution of minorities, especially the Muslims in India, the rising wave of Hindutva and violence against Muslims, violation of human rights, and brutalities being committed by the Indian security forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) proved that the Muslim leadership of that time made a prudent decision.

He said the also serves as a reminder to take stock of our successes and failures as a nation.

He recalled that at the time of independence, the country faced many challenges such as the settlement and rehabilitation of refugees, constitutional and administrative problems of the nascent state, security threats, laying solid social, economic, and industrial foundations, and the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite these challenges, he said, the country made tremendous achievements in every field through continuous hard work and ability.

US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome has extended wishes on the Pakistan Day.

 

— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) March 23, 2023

In a video message, he said: "Our countries' founders shared the same dreams of sovereignty and democracy".