ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: With renewed commitment to work hard for the progress and prosperity of the Country, the nation is celebrating 78th ‘Pakistan Day’ on Friday – a Day which marks adoption of historic Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 that provided a framework for realization of the goal of a Separate Homeland for Muslims of South Asia.
The ‘Pakistan 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 the progress, prosperity and solidarity of the Country.
It is a Public Holiday while the National flag is being hoisted on major government buildings.
The main feature of the ‘Pakistan Day’ is the spectacular military parade at the Parade Avenue in Islamabad where the armed forces are conducting march-past and the fighter jets are presenting aerobatic maneuvers. The floats depicting the culture of different regions of Pakistan have also been displayed on the occasion.
For the first time, a military contingent from United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also participating in the Pakistan Day Parade.
President Mamnoon Hussain is the Chief Guest while the Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is the guest of honor on the occasion. Likewise, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and the three Services Chiefs are also witnessing the Military Parade.
Meanwhile, in a televised message released by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) for Pakistan Day, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Pakistanis were a great nation having an unwavering passion for peace and sacrifice for their homeland.
The prime minister said with mutual affinity and harmony, the Pakistani nation would be able to make this country a piece of haven.
“This country is a dream of Iqbal and a gift of our forefathers. Its development and prosperity is our shared responsibility,” he said.
Khaqan Abbasi, on the occasion, sang a verse of the official song, “Har ek Pakistani ne pukara, Hamara Pakistan – Amn ka nishan,” which means every Pakistani speaks up, Pakistan is the symbol of peace.