ISLAMABAD: The Day dawned with 31-gun salute in the Federal capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial capitals. The nation celebrates 73rd Pakistan Day today with the pledge to make Pakistan truly a democratic state.
It was on this day in 1940 that the historic Pakistan Resolution was adopted in Lahore, which led to creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia.
The President and the Prime Minister in their separate messages on the occasion have urged the nation to rededicate themselves for democracy‚ federalism and constitutionalism for which Pakistan was created.
In his message President Asif Ali Zardari said the Pakistan Day this year will go down in history of the country as a memorable day when the democratically elected Parliament and the government for the first time completed its constitutionally mandated term and the nation is poised for a democratic transition.
Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf in his message said we have an independent‚ sovereign and democratic country. He said it is our duty to put the country on the trajectory of development and prosperity to realize the dream of our forefathers in the pursuit of which they made untiring efforts and rendered exemplary sacrifices.
It is a closed holiday and the national flag is hoisted on all public buildings.
The Day dawned with 31-gun salute in the Federal capital and 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered for the solidarity and integrity of the country and unity of the Muslim Ummah.
As part of the celebrations‚ President Asif Ali Zardari will decorate recipients of awards at an investiture ceremony in Islamabad.
Various functions have been organized to commemorate the day in a befitting manner. Cultural and sports programmes will also be held to mark the day.
The Day is also being celebrated in Gilgit-Baltistan‚ Azad Kashmir and by Pakistan expatriates abroad.
