ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The armed forces performed the joint military parade in Islamabad on Saturday to mark ’79th Pakistan Day’, annually observed to commemorate the passage of Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940.
Under the Lahore Resolution, All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.
The spectacular and colorful joint military parade was held at Parade Ground near Faizabad Interchange in which contingents of three armed forces and security forces conducted march past while fighter jets presented aerobatic maneuvers.
The march of different floats depicting various aspects of the culture of different provinces was also part of the parade.
Various contingents from China, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka also took part in the parade.
The visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the guest of honor in the Pakisan Day Parade. While Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Commander National Guard of Bahrain Sheikh Mohamed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa and government officials from Oman also participated in the parade.
Likewise, President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, three services chiefs, senior military officers, federal ministers, diplomats and the people from all walks of life including artists, sportsmen, women, and children also witnessed the parade.
Resolve of the Soldiers of Pakistan….Pakistan Zindabad
پاکستان کے سپاہیوں کا عزم۔۔۔۔پاکستان زندہ باد #PakDayParade2019 #PakistanZindabad 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/FJb8m4BXld— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) March 22, 2019
While addressing the military parade, President Dr Arif Alvi said that Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence but its desire for peace should not be misconstrued as weakness.
The president said that is a responsible nuclear State but it wants peace, not war. He said that Pakistan respects integrity and sovereignty of other states.
Dr Arif Alvi said that India’s irresponsible attitude has jeopardized peace in the region. He said that India will have to accept Pakistan as a reality, and it must come to the conclusion that dialogue is the only way to resolve issues.
President Arif Alvi said that the country is safe and moving on the path of progress and development after effectively combating the menace of terrorism. He, however, pointed out that the country is dealing with the challenges of poverty, hunger, unemployment and extremist mindset.
In addition, he said that the participation of the representatives of Pakistan’s friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bahrain and Sri Lanka has added valour to today’s military parade, and this signifies Pakistan’s friendship with these countries.
Earlier the Day dawned with 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21-gun salute in Provincial and State Capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the progress and prosperity of the Country. The national flag was hoisted on all major government buildings.
Later in the evening, an investiture ceremony will also be held at Aiwan-e-Sadr where President Dr Arif Alvi will confer Civil Awards on individuals demonstrating feats in different fields of science and arts. As many as 171 personalities including some foreigners have been selected for awards.
In addition, different organizations and societies have also arranged functions and ceremonies to commemorate the Pakistan Day and inculcate a spirit for the progress, prosperity and defense of the Country.
