ISLAMABAD: The nation commemorates Pakistan Day 2024 with a resolute commitment to the country’s progress and stability. The highlight of the day is the grand military parade held in Islamabad, featuring contingents from the armed forces and other security forces, along with aerobatic maneuvers by fighter planes.
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, is the guest of honor at the parade. Contingents from China and Azerbaijan are also participating in the event. President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and all service chiefs are present at the ceremony.
Pakistan Day signifies the adoption of the historic Lahore Resolution in 1940, which laid the groundwork for the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia.
The day commenced with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals, followed by special prayers for the country’s prosperity and unity. The national flag is hoisted on major government buildings, and change of guard ceremonies take place at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. Allama Iqbal.
Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mahmood presided over the ceremony at Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore, where Pakistan Airforce troops assumed guard duty from Chenab Rangers.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari urged active participation in the nation-building process, emphasizing values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called upon the nation to emulate the founding fathers’ vision of making Pakistan a bastion of peace, progress, and stability.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and terrorism, the prime minister pledged to steer Pakistan towards economic recovery and prosperity through comprehensive policy reforms.
