Nation celebrates Pakistan Day with calls for unity

KARACHI:

The nation marked its Pakistan Day on Monday with gun salutes, official ceremonies and renewed pledges 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 Muslims in the subcontinent.

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

Special prayers were offered at dawn for the country’s development, peace and prosperity, while 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.

Addressing the media, the governor said, “Quaid-e-Azam decided the creation of Pakistan through a resolution,” adding, “We salute those who created Pakistan.”

He said the nation must continue to strive forward, noting that “the destination set by our elders still lies ahead,” and urged that “we must show the world that Pakistan is a great nation.”

Paying tribute to the country’s founder, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah 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, PM call for unity amid challenges

Referring to national security, he said that Pakistan gained strength through “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s nuclear program” and that the country’s defenses had been further strengthened over time. He also stressed the need for unity, saying, “We must overcome our internal differences.”

Highlighting the situation in Kashmir, Governor Hashmi said that Kashmir was 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 speech on X paid tribute to the country’s national heroes, martyrs and ghazis on Pakistan Day and acknowledged their sacrifices for the creation and stability of the nation.

In the message, he said: “Let us pay tribute to our national heroes and the martyrs and Ghazis who sacrificed for the creation and stability of Pakistan and devoted their lives for the safety, stability and prosperity of the motherland. May Allah Almighty be our protector and supporter. Ameen.”

President and PM messages

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for national unity, resilience and collective efforts to steer 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 stressed the need to strengthen democratic institutions, ensure the rule of law and pursue economic stability while confronting internal and external challenges.

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

He recalled that on March 23, 1940, the Muslims of the subcontinent of Pakistan adopted the Pakistan Resolution, which laid the foundation for a separate homeland where they could live according to their faith and values.

Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s forefathers, the President said that Pakistan had overcome numerous challenges since its establishment 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 continued to face challenges on both internal and external fronts.

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

On regional issues, President Zardari condemned human rights violations in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and described Kashmir as the unfinished agenda of partition.

He urged the international community to ensure the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with UN 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 brighter 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.

Dar greeted the citizens in a speech on X and 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 conflict”, with economic and political consequences affecting Pakistan as well. He expressed hope that the nation, “while holding fast to the values ​​of unity, faith and discipline, will be steadfast and together we will successfully navigate this challenge.”

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

On 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.”