The nation celebrated Pakistan Day on Sunday with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic and welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
This year, the joint military parade – the main feature of the Pakistan Day festivities – was held on a limited scale because of the holy month of Ramazan. The parade was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr instead of its traditional venue of Shakarparian Parade Ground.
At the joint military parade, President Asif Ali Zardari was the chief guest. It was attended by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, three services chiefs, top military brass, parliamentarians and diplomats.
The ceremony began with the national anthem. It featured the march past of military personnel as well as the flypast of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets. The president also reviewed the parade.
Addressing the ceremony, President Zardari warned against external threats from India and the militant groups. However, he assured that the armed forces and the nation stood united to thwart any nefarious designs.
"While India has always harboured ill-will towards Pakistan, Khawarij and other terrorist' outfits are also in action to achieve their evil designs," he said, referring to the terrorists belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The president, however, vowed that none of them would be allowed to succeed as "the nation and the armed forces are ready to thwart such elements". He called for setting aside political differences and joining hands for a powerful and prosperous Pakistan.
"The journey ahead of us is not easy, but it is not impossible [....] I appeal to everyone to devote all their energies to the development of the country. We have to rise above differences and work for a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan," Zardari said.
"The menace of terrorism must be eradicated," he stressed. "Fifth-generation warfare is a significant challenge," he added, highlighting modern security threats. "We are a courageous nation, fully capable of overcoming challenges," President Zardari asserted.
President Zardari reaffirmed the national pledge to stand united against any external and internal threat. "The people of Pakistan have always stood resolute alongside the armed forces in rendering any sacrifice for the motherland," he said.
The president stressed the need for strengthening the national defence, boosting economic sectors, and creating employment opportunities for youth, whom he termed the nation's greatest asset.
"We have been rebuilding our nation despite all challenges and will continue to do so with courage and determination," he said, emphasising on strengthening the national economy and agriculture.
The president said that Pakistan's foreign policy was based on principles of peace and stability. "Pakistan is desirous of strong ties based on mutual respect and prosperity with its neighbours as well as international community.
The president highlighted the Quaid's principles of "Unity, Faith, and Discipline" as the foundation for overcoming challenges and reiterated the country's commitment to establishing a modern welfare state based on equality, justice, and the rule of law.
"We have achieved freedom by making many sacrifices," he said. "We have the ability to overcome difficulties [and] are not afraid of it. We must create a Pakistan that is strong and developed," he emphasised.
He also reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the people of Kashmir and Palestine, and urged the international community to ensure their right to self-determination.
Pakistan Day commemorates the passage of historic Lahore Resolution on 23rd March in 1940, under which the Muslims of the Subcontinent set the agenda of a separate homeland for themselves.
The day dawned with 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.
On the occasion, several activities were held by civil society organisation, including seminars, declamation contests, exhibitions and other activities to commemorate the day in a befitting manner. The media broadcast special programmes.
(WITH INPUTS FROM APP & RADIO PAKISTAN)
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