——- Parade features march past of military personnel, PAF’s flypast
——- President claims we have to rise above differences and work for a prosperous
——- Adds we have given a strong response to both external and internal terrorism
——- Vows to defeat evil intentions of terrorist organisations
By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: The nation is celebrating Pakistan Day with patriotic zeal and fervour today (Sunday) with Aiwan-e-Sadr hosting the iconic military parade to commemorate the 1940 Lahore Resolution which provided a framework for the realisation of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia.
President Asif Ali Zardari is the chief guest of this year’s Pakistan Day parade, also attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, services chiefs and other dignitaries, which is being held at Aiwan-e-Sadr instead of the Shakarparian Parade Ground — which traditionally hosts the parade. The day began with a 31-gun and 21-gun salute in the federal capital and provinces, respectively. Meanwhile, a change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in Lahore with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent taking over the duties from the Rangers.
Addressing the parade, which also featured the march past of military personnel as well as the flypast of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets, President Zardari recalled the sacrifices of millions of Muslims — who laid down their lives for the creation of Pakistan.
“We have achieved freedom by making many sacrifices,” he said while underscoring the significance of the Pakistan Day.
Stressing that the people of Pakistan and the armed forces stood together, the president paid tribute to the martyrs, saying: “We have the ability to overcome difficulties [and] are not afraid of it.”
“The journey ahead of us is not easy, but it is not impossible [….] I appeal to everyone to devote all their energies to the development of the country. We have to rise above differences and work for a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan,” President Zardari said.
Noting that the country is facing various geopolitical challenges, the head of the state termed the youth as an essential capital of the country.
Touching upon the country’s foreign policy, the president said that it is based on the principles of peace and stability.
He further reiterated Pakistan’s desire to establish strong ties with its neighbouring country and the international community.
“On this day, we also remember our Kashmiri brothers, who have long been victims of Indian atrocities,” he said while reaffirming Islamabad’s unwavering commitment to raising its voice for Kashmiris on all global forums.
“Our goal is to build a strong, modern Islamic welfare state,” he said, stressing the importance of safeguarding the country’s independence, which was achieved through countless sacrifices.
