Pakistan Day 2024 is celebrated on Saturday, underscoring a collective commitment to the nation’s advancement and stability.
A spectacular military parade in Islamabad stands out as the day’s highlight. It showcases the prowess of the armed forces and security agencies through march-pasts and aerial acrobatics.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud graces the event as the guest of honour, with Chinese and Azerbaijani contingents also participating.
Dignitaries, including President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and service chiefs, are in attendance to commemorate the Lahore Resolution of 1940, which laid the foundation for Pakistan’s creation.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes across provincial capitals, accompanied by special prayers for the nation’s prosperity.
The national flag adorns major government buildings, and change of guard ceremonies are held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. Allama Iqbal.
Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mahmood led the ceremony at Iqbal’s mausoleum, with Pakistan Airforce personnel assuming guard duties.
In his message, President Zardari urged active participation in nation-building and highlighted the virtues of diligence, integrity, and empathy. He also commended the armed forces and law enforcement for their dedication to national security.
Prime Minister Sharif called for emulating the founding fathers to achieve peace, progress, and stability. He acknowledged the sacrifices of ancestors during Pakistan’s formation and addressed contemporary challenges such as inflation and terrorism. Sharif committed to economic revitalization through strategic policy reforms.
