Nation celebrates Pakistan Day with traditional zeal

The nation celebrated the Pakistan Day with the traditional zeal on Sunday with the Aiwan-e-Sadr hosting the iconic military parade to commemorate the 1940 Lahore Resolution which provided a framework for the realisation of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia.

- Tariq Butt

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif have expressed determination to build a stronger, more prosperous, and progressive Pakistan.

In their separate messages on Pakistan Day, they said the Pakistani nation has been blessed with immense potential.

Zardari was the chief guest of this Pakistan Day parade — also attended by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, services chiefs, and other dignitaries — which is being held at Aiwan-e-Sadr instead of the Shakarparian Parade Ground in Islamabad, which traditionally hosts the parade.

The Day began with a 31-gun and 21-gun salute in the federal capital and provinces, respectively. The Military Parade was held on a limited scale due to the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The parade also featured the march past of military personnel as well as the flypast of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets.

Addressing the event, President Zardari recalled the sacrifices of millions of Muslims, who laid down their lives for the creation of Pakistan. “We have achieved freedom by making many sacrifices,” he said while underscoring the significance of Pakistan Day.