ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Day and National Parade were celebrated in Islamabad today to ensure progress, prosperity and a strong defense of the country.
March 23 is observed to commemorate the passage of the historic Lahore Resolution on 23rd March in 1940, under which Muslims of the sub-continent, which set the agenda of a separate homeland for them.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals (Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, and Peshawar). A change-of-guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in Lahore. Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country.
A change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi as well.
The main feature of the day is the grand military parade in Islamabad today, where contingents of the three armed forces and other security forces are conducting March past while fighter planes are performing aerobatic maneuvers.
The march of different floats depicting various aspects of the culture of different provinces is also part of the parade.
A special squadron of 25 J-10 aircraft also performed a flypast at the parade today as well.
President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, the three services chiefs, OIC diplomats, foreign diplomats, special guests and elite class representatives in Islamabad attended the parade ceremony.
The dignitaries participating in the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation witnessed the Pakistan Day Parade as Guests of Honour as well.
President Arif Alvi took to Twitter and congratulated the nation.
“Pakistan Day is a landmark day in the history of the sub-continent on many counts. The demand for a separate homeland for Muslims has proved to be politically correct over time,” the president said.
