Islamabad alive with patriotism as Pakistan Day marked with military parade

ISLAMABAD: Festivities mark the start of the day across Pakistan as the entire country celebrates Pakistan Day with fervour and zeal on Saturday (today), marking a historic day in the country’s history.

Pakistan Day is observed on March 23 each year as a national holiday. The day commemorates an important moment in Pakistan Independence movement when the All India Muslim League adopted the Lahore Resolution in 1940, at what is now the Minar-e-Pakistan.

Read more: Pakistan armed forces commemorate Pakistan Day with message of unity and strength

The All India Muslim League announced their vision for an independent sovereign state for Muslims of British India, that would culminate in the creation of Pakistan seven years later.

The day also commemorates the adoption of Pakistan’s first constitution in 1956 that marked its transition from the Dominion of Pakistan into the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Pakistan Day is celebrated by government officials, military personnel and citizens alike. The Pakistan’s Armed Forces often arrange military parades to honour the day.

In the early hours of the morning on Saturday (today), the Pakistan army fired a 21-gun salute, while special prayers were offered across the country. The gun ceremony was followed by the soldiers raising slogans of “Allahu Akbar” and “Pakistan Zindabad”.

The main event of Pakistan Day will be held at Shakarparian Parade Ground where the armed forces troops will showcase the nation’s militarist strength.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz will be the chief guest while Army Chief General Asim Munir along with Chief of Services will also be present. Additionally, all the Federal Ministers, Members of Assembly and Foreign Ambassadors to Pakistan will also attend the ceremony.

Troops of various units of the Pakistan armed forces will present a salute, while the Pakistan Air Forcewill perform an aerial demonstration with the JF-17, F-16 and Mirage aircraft.

The parade will showcase a special cultural show of all the country’s provinces followed by a demonstration of Pakistan’s progress in the defense sector. Modern weapons in Pakistan arsenal will also be showcased.

President Asif Ali Zardari will address the ceremony at the end.

A changing of guards ceremony will also be held at Tomb of Allama Iqbal.