Nation marks Pakistan Day with calls for unity

KARACHI:

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

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

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

Special prayers were offered at dawn for the development, peace and prosperity of the country, as celebrations across the country echoed with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad”.

Karachi

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

Speaking to 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 strive forward, noting that “the destiny set by our elders is still ahead,” and urged that “we must show the world that Pakistan is a great nation.”

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to the country’s founder and said, “On Pakistan Day, we pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam, who laid the foundation of the country.” He added that the Pakistan Resolution was passed with the support of the Sindh Muslim League.

Read: President and Prime Minister urge unity amid challenges

Referring to national security, he said Pakistan gained strength thanks to “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s nuclear programme” and the country’s defense had been further strengthened over time. He also highlighted 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 a post on

In the message, he said: “Let us pay tribute to our national heroes and the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed themselves for the creation and stability of Pakistan and dedicated their lives to the security, stability and prosperity of the motherland. May Allah Almighty be our protector and support. 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 guide Pakistan through the current challenges.

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

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

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

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

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

The president also referred to 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 on both the internal and external fronts.

Referring to the recent security operations, he said Pakistan had responded effectively to the threats and would not allow any group to use foreign soil against its interests. He reiterated that elements sponsoring terrorism or attempting to undermine peace would 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.

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

Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his message, said the nation had shown remarkable resilience since independence and was steadily progressing 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 and urged the nation to “remain steadfast” amid regional tensions in his Pakistan Day message.

Extending his greetings to citizens in a post on X, Dar paid tribute to the country’s founders. He said the nation honors the “unwavering 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 affecting Pakistan as well. He expressed hope that the nation, “while adhering to the values ​​of unity, faith and discipline, will be steadfast and together we will successfully overcome this challenge.”

He reaffirmed that Pakistan “remains firmly committed to eradicating the menace of terrorism” and paid tribute to security forces, saying they are “sacrificing their lives in its pursuit.”

Regarding Kashmir, Dar said Pakistan “remains steadfast in its commitment to provide 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”, noting that they “play a vital role in shaping the country’s future success”.