KARACHI:

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The nation marked its Pakistan Day on Monday with gun salutes, official ceremonies and renewed pledges of national unity and progress.

Pakistan Day is celebrated to commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution, passed on March 23, 1940, which set the agenda for a separate homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent.

The day dawned with 31-gun salutes in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, symbolising national sovereignty and the professionalism of the armed forces.

Special prayers were offered at dawn for the country’s development, peace and prosperity, while celebrations across the country echoed with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad”.

Karachi

In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and newly-appointed Governor Nihal Hashmi visited Mazar-e-Quaid, where members of the provincial cabinet and other officials were also present.

Speaking to the media, the governor said, “Quaid-e-Azam determined the creation of Pakistan through a resolution,” adding, “We pay tribute to those who made Pakistan.”

He said the nation must continue striving forward, noting that “the destination set by our elders still lies ahead,” and urged that “we must show the world that Pakistan is a great nation.”

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to the country’s founder, saying, “On Pakistan Day, we pay homage to Quaid-e-Azam, who laid the foundation of the country.” He added that the Pakistan Resolution was passed with the support of the Sindh Muslim League.

Read: President, PM urge unity amid challenges

Referring to national security, he said Pakistan gained strength through “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s nuclear programme” and that the country’s defence had been further reinforced over time. He also stressed the need for unity, saying, “We must overcome our internal differences.”

Governor Hashmi highlighted the situation in Kashmir, saying Kashmiris were facing oppression, and urged Muslim leaders to play their role in ending the conflict in the region.

President Zardari

President Asif Ali Zardari hoisted the national flag at Nodero House, Larkana. Zardari raised the national flag, and a salute was given by a smartly turned-out contingent of Sindh Police, while the national anthem was played.

On the occasion, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Member of National Assembly and PPP Central Women’s Wing President Faryal Talpur, Sindh Assembly member Suhail Anwar Siyal, and other senior officials were also present.

The flag-hoisting ceremony began with a recitation of the Holy Quran.

The president, in a post on X, paid tribute to the country’s national heroes, martyrs, and ghazis on Pakistan Day, acknowledging their sacrifices for the nation’s creation and stability.

In the message, he said: “Let us pay tribute to our national heroes and to the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed for the creation and stability of Pakistan and devoted their lives to the security, stability and prosperity of the motherland. May Allah Almighty be our protector and supporter. Ameen.”

President and PM messages

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for national unity, resilience and collective efforts to steer Pakistan through current challenges.

In separate messages on the occasion, both leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Movement’s leaders and workers and emphasised the need to strengthen democratic institutions, ensure the rule of law and pursue economic stability while confronting internal and external challenges.

President Zardari said that Pakistan Day served as a reminder that unity and solidarity remain the most vital elements in transforming national aspirations into reality.

He recalled that on March 23, 1940, the Muslims of the Subcontinent adopted the Pakistan Resolution, laying the foundation for a separate homeland where they could live according to their beliefs and values.

Paying homage to the sacrifices of the country’s forefathers, the president said Pakistan had overcome numerous challenges since its creation in 1947 through collective efforts, hard work and determination.

He highlighted achievements including the establishment of strong state institutions, development of an impregnable defence capability and acquisition of nuclear deterrence.

The president also referred to Pakistan’s success in combating terrorism and its resilience during natural disasters, describing them as examples of national unity and sacrifice.

He said that despite these achievements, the country continued to face challenges on both internal and external fronts.

Referring to recent security operations, he said Pakistan had responded effectively to threats and would not allow any group to use foreign soil against its interests. He reiterated that elements sponsoring terrorism or attempting to undermine peace would be dealt with decisively.

On regional issues, President Zardari condemned human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and described Kashmir as the unfinished agenda of Partition.

He urged the international community to ensure the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in line with United Nations resolutions.

He also called for global efforts to end atrocities against Palestinians and stressed the need for resolving tensions in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy.

Emphasising domestic priorities, the president urged strengthening democratic institutions, reducing inequality, empowering women and eliminating extremism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his message, said the nation had demonstrated remarkable resilience since independence and was steadily progressing towards a brighter future despite economic and security challenges.

Armed Forces message

In a statement issued by ISPR, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), T Bt, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, extend their heartfelt congratulations to the nation.] on Pakistan Day.

The armed forces leadership said March 23, 1940, “stands out as a defining moment in our history” that “crystallised our collective vision and set the course for the creation of an independent homeland.”

The statement added that the day reflects a nation “rooted in faith, guided by hope, and strengthened by resilience,” embodying the “unwavering resolve of the people of Pakistan.”

Reiterating their commitment, the armed forces said Pakistan “remains resolute in strengthening its democratic institutions, ensuring national security, and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.”

Referring to ongoing challenges, the statement said that “at a time when our nation continues to confront the menace of terrorism and extremism,” the armed forces, along with law enforcement agencies and the public, remain “united and unwavering in our resolve to eradicate the threats to Pakistan’s security.”

The armed forces also reaffirmed its role in defending the country, stating it remains “ever vigilant and steadfast” in “defending our sacred frontiers, protecting national sovereignty, and maintaining internal security against all forms of aggression and terrorism.”

It concluded with a message of unity and optimism, saying the nation moves forward with “eternal hope, unmatched resilience, and an unshakeable commitment to enduring prosperity.”

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday called for unity and resilience, urging the nation to “remain steadfast” amid regional tensions in his Pakistan Day message.

Extending greetings to citizens in a post on X, Dar paid tribute to the country’s founders. He said the nation honours the “unwavering and courageous efforts, vision, and determination of our ancestors,” adding that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the movement with “remarkable resilience, bravery, and conviction.”

Referring to the current situation, Dar said the region is “engulfed in conflicts”, with economic and political repercussions affecting Pakistan as well. He expressed hope that the nation, “while sticking to the values of unity, faith and discipline, will be steadfast and together we shall successfully navigate this challenge.”

He reaffirmed that Pakistan “remains firmly committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism” and paid tribute to security forces, saying they are “sacrificing their lives in its pursuit.”

On Kashmir, Dar said Pakistan “remains steadfast in its commitment to providing moral and diplomatic support” until the people achieve their right to self-determination.

He also praised overseas Pakistanis for their “patriotism, dedication, and hard work,” noting that they “play a vital role in shaping the country’s future success.”