Pakistan Day

Pakistan Day is being observed today in reiteration of the resolve to reorient the lives of Pakistanis by building a welfare state. It is in remembrance of the resolution in 1940 under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in Lahore, that led to the rise of an independent Muslim state in the Indian Subcontinent within a span of seven years. This marvelous achievement was an outcome of the constitutional struggle by our founding fathers, and for the first time in Westphalian history a state was created on the premise of a valid politico-religious argument. Eight decades since the Pakistan Resolution, the nation is determined to fulfil the ideals of emancipation, rule of law and adherence to the constitution, by erecting a pluralistic society.

The day will be marked by the traditional Pakistan Day Parade in Islamabad, after a year’s hiatus. Contingents of armed forces, as well as paramilitary forces, police, scouts and other troupes from across the country will march past the podium, where civil and military leadership will be present, coupled with a display of arsenal and air prowess. Owing to extra-security measures, state-of-the-art measures have been put in to make it a befitting success, and an estimated Rs7 million have been spent on upgradation and relevant chores. Likewise, cultural, literary and organisational flutes will be there to harness the beauty and bounties of a heterogeneous country, underscoring the mosaic of amalgamation and diversity, alike. Conventionally, the day is marked by laying of floral wreaths at the mausoleums of freedom fighters, and flag hoisting ceremonies in all the four provincial capitals, apart from Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. Pakistan missions abroad become a cluster of nationalism, as the diaspora pours in to celebrate the endowment of freedom and hospitality.

This year, it is incumbent upon all to share the one and only message of reconciliation, and put the country back on the tracks of harmony and development. That is what is desired as we join heads as a homogenous nation.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2024.

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