- Gun salutes mark Pakistan Day in major cities.
- Leaders highlight unity and achievements in national security.
- Simple ceremonies held across the country under austerity policy.
Pakistan Day was celebrated across the country on Monday with traditional zeal and patriotic fervour, albeit with simple ceremonies in line with the austerity measures announced by the government in light of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis.
Pakistan Day, celebrated every year on March 23, commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.
Last week, the federal government announced austerity measures to address the situation arising from the United States and Israel’s war against Iran, which has caused a global oil crisis affecting several countries, including Pakistan.
The day began with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals, while flag-raising ceremonies were held across the country to commemorate the historic occasion.
In Lahore, a dignified changing of the guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, where a contingent of Pakistan Air Force assumed ceremonial duties.
The day is celebrated with a renewed commitment to the ideals of the Pakistan Resolution, along with adherence to broader austerity policies.
‘Unity and solidarity’
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate messages, extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day.
In his message, President Zardari said Pakistan Day serves as a reminder that unity and solidarity are essential to transform national resolve into reality. He noted 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 after independence, Pakistan made remarkable progress through collective effort, including building strong institutions, achieving nuclear capability and successfully fighting terrorism.
Referring to recent developments, the President said the country had responded decisively to the aggression during Marka-e-Haq, teaching the enemy a lesson they would remember. He added that operations like 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 soil against it, vowing to eliminate terrorism and safeguard national security.
The President also highlighted the current challenges, including the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), terming it as an unfinished agenda of partition, and called on the international community to ensure the right to self-determination of Kashmiris.
Furthermore, he urged global efforts to end atrocities against the 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 had steered its economy towards stability despite significant challenges, citing declining inflation and increased investor confidence as signs of progress.
He described March 23 as a historic milestone that united the Muslims of the subcontinent and led 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, stating that the recent operations had demonstrated Pakistan’s “unassailable 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 dispute. He also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and called for diplomacy to ease tensions in the Middle East.
‘National sovereignty’
On the other hand, leaders of the armed forces, Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, congratulated the nation and described March 23 as a defining moment that shaped the destiny of Pakistan.
“March 23, 1940 stands out as a defining moment in our history as the day that crystallized our collective vision and set the course for the creation of an independent homeland,” stated a message issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
With firm resolve and divine guidance, the ISPR said, Pakistan remains determined to strengthen its democratic institutions, ensure national security and safeguard the well-being 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.
“At a time when our nation continues to face the threat of terrorism and extremism, the Pakistan Armed Forces, together with our resilient people and law enforcement agencies, remain united and unwavering in our determination to eradicate threats to Pakistan’s security.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan, ever vigilant and steadfast, reaffirm their enduring commitment to defend our sacred borders, protect national sovereignty and maintain internal security against all forms of aggression and terrorism,” he added.
