ISLAMABAD – The nation is observing Pakistan Day today with a renewedpledge to make Pakistan a developed and progressive country with a strongdefence.
Today’s ceremonies mark commemoration of the passage of Lahore Resolutionon this day in 1940, under which the Muslims of the sub-continent set theagenda of a separate homeland for themselves.
The day dawned with thirty-one-gun salute in the federal capital andtwenty-one-gun salute each in provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after prayers for progress andprosperity of the country.
The main feature of the day was a spectacular military parade at ParadeAvenue in Islamabad where three wings of the armed forces demonstratedtheir professionalism and military prowess.
Contingents of Pakistan Armed Forces marched past the dais presentingsalute to the chief guest and the guest of honor.
The parade also featured troops from Azerbaijan, China, Saudi Arabia,Turkey, Bahrain and Sri Lanka.
Mechanized columns including tanks, armored personnel carriers, rocketlaunchers, air defense system, tactical communication system, indigenouslybuilt UAVs, short and long ranged missiles Ra’ad, Nasr, Ghauri and Shaheenwere showcased on the occasion.
Formations of fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force, Turkish and Chineseair forces presented breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers spreading a range ofcolors in the skies.
Paratroopers from Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy demonstrated marvelousfree fall. There was also similar demonstration by the paratroopers fromSaudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Bahrain and Brunai.
Floats depicting culture of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the fourprovinces added colour to the celebrations.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Chairman JointChiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mehmood Hayat, Services Chiefswitnessed the parade.
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Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was the guest of honor of theparade.
Pakistan HC in Sri Lanka celebrated 79th National Day of Pakistan
Pakistan High Commission and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lankacelebrated the 79th National Day of Pakistan with traditional fervor andresolve to make Pakistan a strong, vibrant, progressive, democratic andwelfare state.
High Commissioner of Pakistan, Maj. Gen. (R) Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmatunfurled the Pakistani flag to the tune of Pakistan’s national anthem in aceremony held at the Pakistan High Commission this morning.
Special messages by the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan werereadout at the occasion.Investiture ceremony will be held at Aiwan-e-Sadar
An investiture ceremony will also be held at Aiwan-e-Sadar in the eveningwhere the President will confer civil awards on individuals demonstratingfeats in different fields of science and arts.
One hundred and seventy-one personalities, including some foreigners, havebeen selected for this year’s awards.
Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television will broadcast special programmestoday highlighting the struggle for Pakistan and importance of the day.
Different organizations and societies have also arranged functions andceremonies to commemorate the day and inculcate a spirit for progress,prosperity and defense of the country.
