ISLAMABAD (Kashmir Digital): Pakistan is observing its 85th Pakistan Day today with strong national zeal and fervor. The morning started with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21 gun salute in provincial capitals followed by solemn events in many cities nationwide.
According to details, a grand changing of the guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of the poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, in which a smart and agile contingent of the Pakistan Army assumed the duties of the guards.
The main ceremony of the 85th Pakistan Day was held at the President’s Office, where Pakistan Air Force fighter jets performed a magnificent flypast. Foreign diplomats and high-ranking civil and military officials participated in the ceremony.
President Asif Ali Zardari was the chief guest on the occasion. A shared military parade, presentation of national honors, and wreath-laying ceremonies at the national heroes’ mausoleums are among the events.
Additionally, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq were present at the ceremony.
The highlight of the parade was when the Chiefs of the Armed Forces each received a salute for their esteemed positions, including Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza.
Upon the arrival of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, the two gentlemen received a salute from the contingent of the Pakistan Army.
President Zardari made a ceremonial entrance to the venue, walking to the salutation of trumpets, arriving in a carriage with the retired Pakistani president, and received hugs and handshakes from the reception committee.
The prime minister, defense minister, and chiefs of the armed services continued to stand before the audience, prominently displayed from the center stage.
The impressive flypast by the Pakistan Air Force’s Shaheens stole the show, performing thrilling aerobatics and performances, which was immediately followed by the breathtaking display of acrobatic maneuvers displayed by Sher Dil Formation, also followed by a second flyby of the Pakistani F-16 aircraft, the JF-17 Thunder aircraft, the J-10C aircraft, the Mirage 3–5 aircraft.
PM and President Message on 85th Pakistan Day
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation on the 85th Pakistan Day.
President Zardari said that the sacrifices of the armed forces in the defense of the motherland are unforgettable, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in his message that the country can be put on the path of economic stability and development through national unity.
Paying tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their beloved homeland, national leaders reiterated their resolve to utilize all resources to make Pakistan a strong and prosperous country.
The day is observed to commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution passed on 23rd March 1940, under which Muslims of the Sub-continent set the agenda of a separate homeland for themselves.
Pakistan Day Celebration in Azad Kashmir
Like the rest of the country, Pakistan Resolution Day is being celebrated with national enthusiasm on March 23 in Azad Kashmir.
The day began with a traditional 21-gun salute, while Pakistan Army personnel saluted and laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial.
On this occasion, ceremonies, seminars, and rallies are being organized in different cities of the country, in which a large number of people, government officials, political and social figures and students are participating.
The speakers shed light on the importance of this day and discussed in detail the historical struggle for the Pakistan Resolution and the background of the establishment of Pakistan.
Government and private buildings have been illuminated, while national flags are being hoisted at different places.
The people of Azad Kashmir expressed their resolve in their message on the occasion of Pakistan Resolution Day that they are praying for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.
