Leaders emphasize unity, resilience, and security achievements in their Pakistan Day messages.
Pakistan Day was observed across the country on Monday with traditional enthusiasm and patriotic spirit, though celebrations were kept simple in line with government austerity measures amid the ongoing Gulf oil crisis.
Observed annually on March 23, Pakistan Day marks the adoption of the Lahore Resolution 1940, when the All-India Muslim League called for a separate homeland for Muslims in the British Indian Empire.
Earlier, the federal government announced austerity steps to manage the impact of rising global oil prices following tensions linked to the conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran, which has affected economies worldwide, including Pakistan.
The day began with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals, while flag-hoisting ceremonies were held across the country to honour the historic occasion.
In Lahore, a dignified change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum.
At the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a contingent of the Pakistan Air Force carried out ceremonial duties with full honours.
The day is being observed with a renewed commitment to the ideals of the Lahore Resolution 1940, along with adherence to broader austerity measures.
Unity and solidarity
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended warm greetings to the nation on Pakistan Day in their separate messages.
In his message, President Zardari emphasized that Pakistan Day is a reminder that unity and solidarity are vital to turning national resolve into reality. He noted that the 1940 resolution laid the foundation for a separate homeland and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s founding leaders.
He added that despite initial challenges after independence, Pakistan has made significant progress through collective efforts, including the development of strong institutions, achieving nuclear capability, and successfully combating terrorism.
Referring to recent developments, the President said the country responded firmly to aggression during Marka-e-Haq, delivering a strong message to its adversaries. He added that operations such as Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq have produced significant results in countering threats.
He reiterated that Pakistan would not allow any group, including Fitna al-Khawarij or other elements, to use foreign territory against it, reaffirming the commitment to eliminate terrorism and protect national security.
The President also pointed to ongoing challenges, including the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as an unresolved issue from the partition, and urged the international community to support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
He further called for global efforts to end the suffering of Palestinians and emphasized the importance of resolving tensions in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy.
Regional and global peace
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said that Pakistan has moved its economy toward stability despite major challenges, noting declining inflation and growing investor confidence as positive indicators of progress.
He described March 23 as a historic milestone that united Muslims of the subcontinent, paving the way for the creation of Pakistan within seven years under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Prime Minister lauded the armed forces for their professionalism and sacrifices in defending the country, saying that recent operations had demonstrated Pakistan’s “impregnable defence and unwavering resolve.”
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional and global peace, stressing that lasting stability in South Asia depends on a fair resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and called for dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions in the Middle East.
National sovereignty
Separately, the country’s military leadership—Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu—extended their congratulations to the nation, calling March 23 a defining moment in shaping Pakistan’s destiny.
“March 23, 1940, stands as a defining moment in our history, when our collective vision was crystallized and the path toward an independent homeland was set,” stated a message issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.
The statement added that, with unwavering determination and divine guidance, Pakistan remains committed to strengthening its democratic institutions, ensuring national security, and safeguarding the welfare of its citizens.
It further reaffirmed the armed forces’ dedication to defending national sovereignty, combating terrorism, and maintaining internal stability, while highlighting Pakistan’s role as a responsible member of the international community in promoting peace and stability.
“At a time when the nation continues to face the challenges of terrorism and extremism, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, together with the resilient people and law enforcement agencies, stand united and firm in their resolve to eliminate threats to national security,” the message said.
It also emphasized that the armed forces remain ever vigilant and steadfast in defending the country’s borders, protecting sovereignty, and ensuring internal security against all forms of aggression and terrorism.
About the Author
