ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The nation is celebrating Pakistan Day with renewed pledge to work hard for the progress and stability of the country as the armed forces are exhibiting military might during a grand and prestigious parade.
The day marks adoption of historic Lahore Resolution this day in 1940 that provided a framework for realisation of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia.
The day dawned with 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the welfare, prosperity and solidarity of the country. National flag was hoisted on major government buildings.
President Asif Ali Zardari inspected the guard of honour presented by the armed forces' contingents.
A grand military parade in Islamabad's Shakarparian Parade Ground exhibiting the Pakistan's military might was also held. Contingents of the three armed forces and other security forces conducted march past while fighter planes including mirage, JF17 Thunder and F-16 presented aerobatic manoeuvers.
In the parade, the soldiers of the armed forces showcased their skills. The contingents of armed forces of China and brotherly country Azerbaijan also took part in the parade.
Army's ground and mechanised contingents displayed their skills and modern weapons including battle tanks, missiles and radars.
In the early morning in Islamabad's Shakarparian Parade Ground, the troops of Pakistan Rangers performed the Rangers Exhibition Drill.
The troops of Army School of Music also enthralled the audience with their solo drum performance.
The chief guest of the parade was President Asif Ali Zardari, while foreign guests including Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia also participated in the parade ceremony. Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was also the special guest of the parade.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir, all services chiefs, federal ministers, members of assembly and foreign ambassadors were also present.
Meanwhile, later in the day an investiture ceremony will be held at Aiwan-e-Sadr where President Asif Ali Zardari will confer awards and medals on personalities for their outstanding contributions to various fields.
Electronic media is broadcasting special programmes to highlight the significance of the day and pay tribute to the leaders of Pakistan Movement.
Will keep Pakistan's security dearer than own lives: President
President Asif Ali Zardari said the armed forces of Pakistan were always ready to defend the motherland.
"We will keep Pakistan's security dearer than our own lives," he said while addressing the Pakistan Day Parade ceremony.
President Zardari greeted the prime minister and the chiefs of the armed forces, and congratulated the Pakistani nation on the National Day.
He said, "We pledge to keep peace, prosperity, development, security and integrity of the country supreme and hold it dearer than our lives." "Today is a day of national importance for us," he added.
He said on this day the Muslims of the subcontinent demanded a separate homeland and after seven years established a free and independent state under the leadership of the Quaid-i-Azam.
The Pakistani nation went through various ups and downs since its establishment, he said. He requested all the political parties to work together to solve the issues faced by the country.
President Zardari thanked China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkiye and other friendly countries for supporting Pakistan in difficult times.
He said special attention should be paid to human resource development, skill development, agriculture, information technology, industrial development, energy and good governance.
"We are determined to make the country strong and self-sufficient," he said and added that country desperately needed an effective strategy with national consensus, wise management and better linkages between the provinces and the federation.
Zardari said Pakistan was deeply concerned about the ongoing violence and genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. The international community should implement an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and stop Israel from taking cruel actions.
He said Pakistan would always stand with the Kashmiri people in their legitimate struggle for self-determination. The United Nations should take notice of the human rights violations in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
"We condemn all illegal actions of India," he said.