KEY POINTS
- The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad
- PAF fighter jets dazzle Islamabad with stunning flypast
- President reaffirms pledge to stand united against threats
- PM vows to build prosperous, progressive Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani nation celebrated ‘Pakistan Day’ on Sunday with a renewed commitment to transforming the country into a true Islamic welfare state, in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The day commemorates the historic Lahore Resolution of 23 March 1940, which set the course for the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims in the Subcontinent.
The day dawned with a thirty-one-gun salute in the federal capital and a twenty-one-gun salute in provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country.
The special feature of the day was the Pakistan Day Military Parade in Islamabad at Aiwan-e-Sadr due to the month of Ramadan.
“A huge responsibility”
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari said that they got freedom after immense sacrifices and to protect this freedom was “a huge responsibility” for which the entire nation and the armed forces were ready to render any kind of sacrifice.
Addressing the Pakistan Day parade, the president said ‘Unity, faith and discipline’ was the motive given by the founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah which would enable them to meet all challenges as in the past, they had given befitting response to all external and internal terrorism.
The president congratulated the nation on the historic day and said March 23 was an important day for the nation as they achieved freedom under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam and the dream of Allama Iqbal dream that had made it possible.
Tribute to martyrs
Millions of Muslims who had sacrificed and turned the dream into reality, he said, adding on this day, they paid tribute to their martyrs. The president said the objective behind creation of Pakistan was the establishment of a modern welfare country based upon principles of equality, justice and rule of law.
On this day, he said they pledged to achieve the same objectives, with the same spirit with which the day was being celebrated.
The president said India had always tried to cast an evil eye on Pakistan while Khawarij and other terrorists’ outfits wanted to achieve their evil designs, but he wanted to tell them that the nation and the armed forces were standing in unison and would foil their nefarious designs.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz, Chairman of Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, three services chiefs, top military brass, federal ministers, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps were present during the ceremony.
The fifth-generation warfare had turned into a challenge, he said, adding that they had the capacity to overcome difficulties as they were a spirited nation and would not bog down with challenges.
The president expressed the resolve that despite all challenges, they would continue building the nation.
“Pakistan is facing geo-political challenges, while their brave armed forces, with the support of the nation, have been giving unprecedented sacrifices,” he added.
Pakistan is facing geo-political challenges, while their brave armed forces, with support of nation, have been giving unprecedented sacrifices.” __President Asif Ali Zardari.
The president stressed upon the need of further strengthening of defence, boosting of economic sectors including agriculture, and creation of jobs for the youth.
Unprecedented sacrifices
The president said that Pakistan’s foreign policy was based upon ensuring stability and peace and they wanted strong ties with their neighbours and the international community based upon mutual respect and shared goals of prosperity.
President Zardari also paid tribute to the armed forces and the law enforcement agencies for giving unprecedented sacrifices.
He said on March 23, they had not forgotten their Kashmiri brethren and sisters who had been bracing the Indian atrocities, and they extended their full solidarity to them and saluted their unprecedented sacrifices.
Kashmiris’ right
The president reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue raising its voice at all global fora for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and demanded that the international community ensure the implementation of the UN resolutions so that Kashmiris can decide their future.
The president also expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinians and urged the international community to take decisive actions to stop the genocide and ensure that without any foreign interference, Palestinians should be given the right to decide their future and sovereignty.
The president appealed to the nation to work for the realisation of the true objectives of the motherland and prayed for the nation’s prosperity, unity and strength.
Pakistan Day Military Parade
He also appreciated the parade commander for arranging the splendid event. During the ceremony, a marvellous flypast was displayed by the Pakistan Air Force formations.
Different formations of Sherdil, Mirage, F16, JF 17 Thunder and J10C displayed the high-speed past, piercing through the sky with spectacular speed.
Earlier, the president reviewed the smartly turned-out contingents of the armed forces that took part in the parade.
A presidential salute was given to him while the national anthem was played.
The president had arrived at the venue in the traditional presidential chariot accompanied by his bodyguards riding on horses.
On the occasion, the military band also presented musical tunes based on national songs.
Pakistan’s prime minister
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also greeted Pakistanis on the momentous day of national celebration on March 23 and said the nation was blessed with immense potential to achieve economic prosperity and secure its rightful place among the nations.
In a message on Pakistan Day, he said, “Heartfelt greetings to all Pakistanis on this momentous day of national celebration!”
He said, “This day stands as a defining moment in the history of South Asia’s Muslims. Eighty-five years ago, on March 23rd, the visionary Muslim leadership of the subcontinent united with an unwavering resolve to lay the foundation for an independent homeland.”
“Guided by the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, they envisioned a state where Muslims could live with dignity, freedom, and self-respect, a land shaped by their aspirations and values,” he added.
He said, “On this landmark day in 1940, the Lahore Resolution set the course for that vision. Just seven years later, on August 14, 1947, Pakistan emerged as an independent nation, a testament to the unyielding spirit, perseverance, and sacrifices of our forefathers. Over the decades, Pakistan has shown extraordinary strength.”
With determination, hard work, and a shared vision, we will continue to build a stronger, more prosperous, and progressive Pakistan. Pakistan Paindabad!” he concluded.
President confers civil, military awards
Pakistan’s President granted military awards to the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force.
The military awards include two Sitara-i-Basalat, 227 Tamgha-i-Basalat, 82 Imtiazi Asnad, 185 Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards, 23 Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 112 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 133 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military).
The president also conferred civil awards upon Pakistani and foreign nationals for their contributions in different fields.
Former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was posthumously awarded Nishan-e-Pakistan. His daughter Sanam Bhutto received the award.
Among other prominent recipients include Sultan Alai Akbar Allana, Dr Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Ali Haider Gilani, Khawaja Anwar Majeed, Javed Jabbar, Saadia Rashid, Umar Farooq, Sana Hashwani, Safinaz Munir, Aneeqa Bano, Amin Muhammad Lakhani, Sarwar Munir Rao, Hassan Ayub and mir Nadir Khan Magsi.
The foreign nationals who received the award include Hyder Qurbanov and Dr Christine Brunhilde, who received Sitara-e-Qauid-e-Azam, while Agostino Da Polenza and Professor Valeria Picacentini were given Tamgha-e-Pakistan and Dr Xinmin Liu was awarded Tamgha-e-Quaid-e-Azam.
International felicitations and celebrations
Saudi leadership facilitates Pakistan
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz have sent separate messages to the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari on his country’s National Day.
They wished the Pakistani president continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Pakistan steady progress and prosperity.
Kuwait Amir congratulates Pakistan
Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of congratulations, Sunday, to the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari on his country’s national day.
In the cable, the Amir expressed sincere wishes for further progress and prosperity to Pakistan and its people and wished the President long-lasting health.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent a congratulatory cable, Sunday, to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on his country’s national day, and wished him long-lasting health.
Qatar’s Amir sends congratulations
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent on Sunday a cable of congratulations to President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, on the occasion of his country’s National Day.
Azerbaijan’s President congratulates Pakistan
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion of Pakistan Day, reaffirming the strong strategic partnership between the two nations.
In his congratulatory message, President Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the ever-expanding Azerbaijan-Pakistan cooperation, stating, “The current level of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan strategic partnership and our cooperation, which is enriched with new content day by day, is a source of great satisfaction.”
He highlighted the significance of joint initiatives in key sectors such as economy, transport, logistics, energy, investment, and defense industry, noting that these collaborations are fundamental to strengthening bilateral ties. The Azerbaijani leader also emphasized the alignment of both nations’ positions on international matters and their mutual support as a testament to the enduring Azerbaijan-Pakistan brotherhood.
Referring to his recent meeting with Prime Minister Sharif during the Pakistani leader’s state visit to Azerbaijan last month, Aliyev commended the productive discussions held in an atmosphere of trust and understanding. He stressed that the agreements reached, along with the documents signed during the visit, would further expand the scope of bilateral collaboration and enhance economic and trade potential in various fields.
Pakistan Day reception in Beijing
China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong attended a National Day reception hosted by the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing on Thursday to commemorate the Pakistan Day.
Addressing the event as Chief Guest, Sun reaffirmed China’s commitment to its All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with Pakistan and lauded the iron-clad friendship between the two nations.
Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, dating back to the ancient Silk Route. He stressed that China-Pakistan relations are built on mutual trust, respect, and shared aspirations for regional stability.
Senior Chinese officials, diplomats, business leaders, and media representatives also attended the event. A cultural performance by Chinese and Pakistani children was showcased, symbolising the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Iran extends warm felicitations
Similarly, the Embassy of Iran extended warm felicitations to the government and people of Pakistan.
In a message of solidarity, the embassy paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal, acknowledging their visionary leadership.
The embassy emphasised the historic bilateral ties between Iran and Pakistan, built on Islamic brotherhood, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.
Statement of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran on March 23rd, Pakistan National Day: pic.twitter.com/N3B2kcYgrE
— Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran- Islamabad (@IraninIslamabad) March 22, 2025
Japan’s Ambassador conveys best wishes
Meanwhile, Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, conveyed his best wishes in a video message delivered in Urdu.
He expressed hope for peace, prosperity, and stronger bilateral ties, concluding with: “Long Live Japan-Pakistan Friendship.”
Uzbekistan Ambassador’s message
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev on Sunday expressed the hope that the bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan will become even stronger in the future.
In his message, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan said that today, March 23, is a memorable day for Pakistanis, the day when millions of people dream of Pakistan, the dream of a free, just and sovereign state, and the echo of this dream is heard in the heart of every Pakistani.
The Ambassador said that under the visionary leadership of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a new spirit of truth, trust and sincerity has evolved in the bilateral ties of both nations.
While performing my duties as the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, “I feel a sense of pride for the people of Pakistan and this country, and their sincerity and hospitality are unparalleled.
He said the people of Pakistan have an unwavering devotion to their country and pride in their history, which is what distinguishes them from other nations.
The people of Pakistan know how to deal with challenges and “I am sure that the future of Pakistan is bright.”
He said, “We, the people of Uzbekistan, stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan as a true friend with mutual respect and sincerity and are proud of it.”
The Uzbek ambassador said that Pakistan is not just a state but a faith and ideology that is getting stronger with every passing year.
March 23 is not an ordinary date, “I sincerely congratulate the great people of Pakistan on this sacred day, Pakistan is not just a friendly country, for us Pakistan has the status of a brother.”
“We are connected not only by a strategic partnership but also by spiritual closeness, shared past and hopes for a bright future that brings our hearts closer,” he said.
The envoy said that on the occasion of this special day, “I wish that there is prosperity in every home of Pakistan and pray for unity, progress and a bright future among the entire people.”
He hoped that bilateral relations and friendship between the two countries in the future would strengthen.
Special events worldwide
Pakistan’s diplomatic missions worldwide are also hosting special events to mark the occasion.
New York
In New York, the State Assembly and Senate have officially proclaimed 23rd March as “Pakistan-American Heritage Day” and 19th March as “Pakistani-American Business Celebration Day” through unanimous resolutions.
New Delhi
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also organised a reception, attended by diplomats, political figures, journalists, civil society members, and business representatives.
Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich addressed the gathering, underscoring the historical significance of the Lahore Resolution.
Pakistan Day celebrated in Turkey
The Embassy of Pakistan in the Turkish capital Ankara organized a programme to mark the country’s National Day on Sunday.
The program, which was held at the embassy, was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ankara Yousaf Junaid along with numerous guests.
The ceremony began with the hoisting of the Pakistani flag, accompanied by the national anthem.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Junaid underscored the National Day’s importance, honouring the sacrifices of Pakistan’s founders.
He also highlighted the nation’s resilience and reaffirmed its dedication to peace, security, and development, while expressing gratitude to martyrs and veterans.
Pakistan Day celebrated in Nepal
On the National Day of Pakistan, a Flag Hoisting Ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan, Kathmandu.
Ambassador Abrar H Hashmi hoisted Pakistan’s Flag. Messages from the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.
Ambassador Abrar H Hashmi in his remarks, congratulated the community and staff. On the occasion, he said we salute our forefathers for their vision and heroic and peaceful struggle to achieve independence. The key to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity lies in our unity, hard work, and determination. He also invited the community to stay engaged locally and contribute in whatsoever way to make Pakistan-Nepal friendship aloft.
