Nation celebrates Pakistan Day
ISLAMABAD – People on Tuesday celebrated Pakistan Day with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic and welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah despite the deadly third wave of Covid-19 and heavy rains in many parts of the country.
On this day, the historic Lahore Resolution was adopted in 1940 that provided a framework for realization of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia. National flag was hoisted atop all major government buildings. Pakistan Army’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate, released a special song in connection with the Pakistan Day.
In view of the third wave of Covid-19, all events in connection with the day were held under strict compliance to the SOPs. Pakistan Day Parade, the main feature of the celebrations, will be held in Islamabad on Thursday in compliance with all the anti-COVID SOPs.
Flag hoisting and awards distribution ceremonies were held under strict SOPs in the provincial capitals, Gilgit and Muazaffarabad in connection with Pakistan Day.
The national media broadcast special programmes to highlight the significance of the day and pay tribute to the leaders of Pakistan Movement. Youm-e-Pakistan celebrations were also held in Pakistan Embassies and missions abroad.
President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan in their separate messages called upon countrymen continue their efforts to make Pakistan truly a democratic and welfare state.
The President Dr Arif Alvi in his message reaffirmed the resolve to make Pakistan an economically stronger and prosperous country. He urged the people to remember the Kashmiri brethren, who are being subjected to the worst form of repression and state-sponsored terrorism.
The President said the world must take notice of blatant human rights violations being committed by India in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said the key to durable peace in South Asia is resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
In his message on Pakistan Day, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said “today Pakistan is back on track to realise the ideal of Riyasat-e-Madina by bringing the powerful under rule of law and establishing a welfare state through Ehsaas, Panagahs and health cards programs.
In a series of tweet Imran Khan said 15 centuries ago our Holy Prophet (Sallalaho Alaihe Wa Alehi Wasallam) set up the first welfare state in Madina based on rule of law, meritocracy, compassion and tolerance and where quest for knowledge was made a sacred duty.
He said when Muslims moved away from these guiding principles, their civilisation decayed and declined.
The Prime Minister said 81 years ago, our Quaid gave us the dream for Pakistan as envisioned by the great philosopher and poet Allama Iqbal, based on these Riyasat-e-Madina principles.
He said so far we have been unable to achieve our great potential because we lost sight of our Quaid’s vision. “Today, let us renew our commitment to make Pakistan a humane, progressive and prosperous state akin to Riyasat-e-Madina based on rule of law, meritocracy, egalitarianism and compassion,” he said in his message on the occasion of Pakistan Day (March 23).
The prime minister said that 23rd March, 1940 was a momentous occasion when the Muslims of the Sub-Continent decided to establish a separate homeland to free themselves from the shackles of oppression and slavery of the Hindutva mindset.
“Today, we pay tribute to the Father of the Nation and all the leaders of the Independence Movement who united Muslims of British India and struggled for creation of a free and independent Muslim State. The struggle culminated in the emergence of Pakistan on the map of the world on 14th August, 1947,” he added.
The prime minister said that while commemorating the day, they needed to adhere to the principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline given by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “Our great nation has successfully overcome challenges of immense magnitude in past through unity and resilience. Today, we need to remain strong to face the pandemic that has engulfed the entire World. InshaAllah, we will succeed in these testing times,” he maintained.
The prime minister also expressed solidarity with the innocent people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who have been subjected to worst form of state oppression by Indian security forces.
“We salute their courage and will continue to support them morally, politically and diplomatically for realization of their right to self-determination under relevant UNSC Resolutions,” he added.
“May Almighty Allah grant us strength to remain steadfast during all testing times? Pakistan- Paindabad,” the Prime Minister concluded.
Article source: https://nation.com.pk/24-Mar-2021/nation-celebrates-pakistan-day