ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Day was celebrated on Wednesday across the country and in Azad Jammu Kashmir with traditional zeal and enthusiasm to commemorate the passage of the Lahore Resolution, later called, the Pakistan Resolution, which led to the creation of Pakistan.
The day dawned with special prayers for progress and prosperity of the country and with 31 gun salutes in the federal capital as well as 21 gun salutes in provincial capitals. The national flag was hoisted on important public and private buildings throughout the country and all Pakistani missions abroad.
This year too, the permanent feature of armed forces parade on Pakistan Day was cancelled owing to security reasons as well as hectic engagement of troops in the tribal areas of the country to fight against militants. Governmental, political, cultural, social and other organisations held programmes.
President Zardari conferred awards on outstanding civil and military personalities in recognition of their meritorious services at an investiture ceremony. In the provincial capital, Lahore, several dignitaries visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal to pay homage to the great poet and philosopher.
Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and other dignitaries visited the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and laid floral wreaths and paid homage to the Father of the Nation.
Pakistan Day was celebrated with traditional zeal across Balochistan to commemorate the passage of Pakistan Resolution. Various programs and ceremonies were held at different places including Governor House, Quetta Cantt, Askari Park, Ayyub Stadium, Hana Lake and others to commemorate the national day.
In tune with the festivity in the country, Pakistani embassies, high commissions and consulates in the UK, Malaysia, Kenya, Turkey and Iran also held special ceremonies to mark the national day. The ambassadors and high commissioners read out messages of the president and prime minister.
