Nation marks low-key March 23 celebrations

Holds flag-hoisting ceremonies, special prayers

LARKANA/ LAHORE/ ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Day was observed across the country on Monday with flag-hoisting ceremonies, special prayers and a renewed pledge to uphold the ideals of the nation's founding fathers, as celebrations remained subdued under austerity measures.

The day began with traditional ceremonies, including a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, followed by special prayers in mosques for the peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

President Asif Ali Zardari hoisted the national flag at Neudero House in Larkana, where a contingent of Sindh Police presented a guard of honour amid the national anthem.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Women's Wing President Faryal Talpur, Sindh Assembly member Sohail Anwar Siyal and other senior officials attended the event.

In Lahore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag at a simple yet dignified ceremony. Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar and other officials were also present.

The government observed the day with simplicity, cancelling the traditional military parade and limiting major public gatherings due to austerity and energy-saving measures in view of the evolving regional situation caused by the war in the Gulf.

A change-of-guard ceremony at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in Lahore remained one of the day's key highlights, where a Pakistan Air Force contingent assumed guard duty.

Officials said all public departments were directed to keep celebrations low-key, while the customary investiture ceremony for civil awards was postponed and will now be held on April 28. Pakistani missions abroad were also instructed to mark the day without large-scale events.

Despite scaled-down festivities, ceremonies were held nationwide, reflecting the enduring national spirit. Citizens participated in flag-hoisting events and commemorative gatherings, reaffirming their commitment to the country's founding principles.

Leaders across the political spectrum paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Movement and called for unity and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

Messages of solidarity also came from the armed forces leadership. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard Pakistan's sovereignty and eliminate threats of terrorism and extremism.

Service chiefs, including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, extended greetings to the nation and pledged continued vigilance in defending the country.

The president also approved the conferment of military awards upon 1,989 personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces and Civil Armed Forces on the recommendation of the prime minister, in terms of Article 259(2) of the Constitution.