- Gun salutes mark Pakistan Day in major cities.
- Leaders emphasize unity and national security achievements.
- Simple ceremonies held nationwide under austerity policies.
Pakistan Day was marked across the country on Monday with traditional fervor and patriotic fervor, albeit with simple ceremonies in line with austerity measures announced by the government in light of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis.
Pakistan Day, celebrated on 23 March every year, commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution on 23 March 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 cope with the situation arising out of the US-Israel war against Iran, which has led to a global oil crisis affecting various countries, including Pakistan.
The day began with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals, while flag-raising ceremonies were held nationwide to commemorate the historic event.
In Lahore, a dignified changing of guard ceremony was held at Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum, where a contingent of the Pakistan Air Force undertook ceremonial duties.
The day is celebrated with renewed commitment to the ideals of the Pakistan Resolution, alongside adherence to broader austerity policies.
‘Unity and solidarity’
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate messages, extended heartfelt greetings to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day.
In his message, President Zardari said that 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 founders.
He said that despite early post-independence challenges, Pakistan achieved remarkable progress through collective efforts, including building strong institutions, achieving nuclear capability and successfully combating terrorism.
Referring to recent developments, the President said the country had responded decisively to aggression during Marka-e-Haq and taught the enemy a lesson it would remember. He added that operations such as Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq have yielded significant results in countering threats.
He reiterated that Pakistan would not allow any group, including Fitna al-Khawarij or other elements, to use foreign soil against it, pledging to eliminate terrorism and protect national security.
The President also highlighted ongoing challenges, including the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), terming it an unfinished agenda of partition, and urged the international community to ensure the right to self-determination for Kashmir.
He further called for global efforts to end atrocities against Palestinians and stressed the need to resolve tensions in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy.
‘Regional and global peace’
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz said in his message that Pakistan had steered its economy towards stability despite significant challenges, citing falling inflation and improved investor confidence as signs of progress.
He described March 23 as a historic milestone that united Muslims in the subcontinent, leading to the creation of Pakistan within 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 recent operations had demonstrated Pakistan’s “impregnable defense and unwavering resolve”.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional and global peace and stressed 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”
Separately, the armed forces leadership, Chief of Defense (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu congratulated the nation who shaped a march moment in Pakistan, 23 who has shaped it Pakistan’s moment 23. fate.
“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,” a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
With steadfast determination and divine guidance, the ISPR said, Pakistan remains resolute in strengthening its democratic institutions, ensuring national security and ensuring the welfare of its citizens.
They reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defend national sovereignty, fight terrorism and ensure internal security, while underscoring Pakistan’s role as a responsible member of the international community promoting peace and stability.
“At a time when our nation continues to confront the threat of terrorism and extremism, the armed forces of Pakistan, along with our resilient people and law enforcement agencies, remain united and unwavering in our resolve to eradicate the threats to Pakistan’s security.
“The armed forces of Pakistan, ever vigilant and steadfast, reaffirm their abiding commitment to defend our sacred borders, protect national sovereignty and maintain internal security against all forms of aggression and terrorism,” it added.
