The nation celebrates Pakistan Day with firm resolve to work hard to strengthen national security and solidarity.The day marks adoption of historic Lahore Resolution this day in 1940 that provided a framework for realisation of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia.The Day dawned with 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in provincial capitals followed by a joint parade of all three forces of the military: Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force, at Shakarparian Parade Avenue in the federal capital early Thursday morning.A special feature of the parade this year is participation of Tri Services of People’s Liberation Army of China, Saudi Special Force’s contingents and Turkish Jannisary Military band.Special prayers were also offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the progress, prosperity and solidarity of the country.President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest of the event. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif witnessed the parade. Among other dignitaries attended the ceremony was Chief of South African National Defence Force General Solly Zacharia. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman led the flypast of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy aviation in an F-16 plane. Â Troops which took part in the parade included contingents of the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, 18 Punjab Regiment, 21 Frontier Force Regiment, 10 Northern Light Infantry Regiment, 760 Mujahid Battalion, Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Rangers Punjab, Paratroopers, Pakistan Police, Tri Services Lady Officers, Tri Services Armed Forces Nursing Services, Boy Scouts, Pakistan Girl Guides, Special Services Group (SSG) and President Bodyguards.Mechanised columns of Armoured Corps, Artillery, Army Air Defence, Signals, Engineers, Army Strategic Force Command also participated.In a historic first, Chinese troops took part in the March 23 parade.A 90-member Chinese delegation had arrived in Pakistan to participate in the parade. Saudi troops held a march-past and performed a salute to President of Pakistan. The Turkish military band participated in Pakistan Day parade for the first time ever. The band, known as ‘mehtar’ in Turkish, is the oldest military band in the world, dating back to 1299. Functions, Seminars and Rallies are being held all over Azad Kashmir to mark the day. Various political, social, religious, educational and other organizations have chalked out special functions to highlight the significance of the Pakistan Day. It is also observed in different parts of the world. We wish all Pakistanis happy Pakistan day and appreciate government, Armed Forces specially ISPR and other relevant institutions for organizing very impressive and great celebrations at Parade Ground. Â After having been marked with more low key celebrations, Pakistan Day is now back on track to be the major national day. This year, dignitaries from abroad have also participated in the celebrations. Pakistan is now en route to growth and development but there is need for much better social and economic distribution of resources, for reduction of the class differences and greater sharing of the fruits of the land. Government, all institutions and citizens should renew their pledges to play due rule for more strong, progressive and prosperous Pakistan.
