Nation celebrates Pakistan Day as military parade continues

Pakistan celebrates Pakistan Day today which marked the commemoration of historic Lahore Resolution, with full zeal and a renewed pledge to work hard for the progress and stability of country.

On this day in 1940 Lahore Resolution was passed that provided a framework for realization 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 prosperity and solidarity of the country. National flag is hoisted on major government buildings.

On the occasion of Pakistan Day, grand exhibitions parade of Pakistan military is underway at Parade Avenue in Islamabad where contingents of the three-armed forces and other security forces are conducting march past while fighter planes including mirage, JF17 Thunder and F-16 presented aerobatic maneuvers.

The contingents of armed forces of China and Azerbaijan are also taking part in the parade. In the early morning at Shakar Parian 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 event formally began with the national anthem. Following the recitation of holy Quran, President Asif Ali Zardari observed the parade from a jeep. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia is also attending the parade as the chief guest.

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Later today in the afternoon, an investiture ceremony will be held at Aiwan-e-Sadar where President Asif Ali Zardari would confer awards and medals to personalities for their outstanding contribution in different fields.

President Zardari, PM Shehbaz felicitates nation on Pakistan Day

On Pakistan Day, President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed upon nation to participate in the nation-building process actively, embracing the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion, state run Radio Pakistan reported.

In his message, President Zardari honored the commitment and sacrifices made by the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his companions. The President said our armed forces, civil administration, police, and law enforcement agencies have, with unwavering commitment, ensured the safety, security, and sovereignty of our nation.

Commenting on the Kashmir issue, the President said that the key to durable peace in South Asia is the resolution of the dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked nation to renew the firm resolve to follow the footsteps of founding fathers to make Pakistan a trivet of peace, progress and stability. In his message on Pakistan Day, he said our forefathers made untiring efforts and rendered exemplary sacrifices for Pakistan as millions of Muslims left their homes in India and decided to migrate to Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said we are completely cognizant of the serious challenges confronting Pakistan currently including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism. He assured to stand committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework.