Pakistan commemorated its national day with grand celebrations on Saturday, marked by a spectacular military parade that highlighted the country's military prowess and unity.
Led by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with all service chiefs, the Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad showcased the country's commitment to progress and stability.
The event, attended by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud as the guest of honor, featured impressive displays of military strength, including marching contingents and aerobatic maneuvers by fighter planes. Notably, contingents from China and Azerbaijan also participated, underscoring Pakistan's strong diplomatic relations.
President Zardari, in his address, emphasized the historical significance of March 23, commemorating the demand for a separate nation by the Muslims of the subcontinent. He paid tribute to the leaders, martyrs, and heroes who sacrificed for independence and highlighted Pakistan's resilience in the face of challenges.
Acknowledging the country's economic, social, and political challenges, President Zardari called for unity and collaboration to address issues such as population growth, climate change, education, and poverty. He outlined initiatives to boost the economy, including investment facilitation in various sectors.
Furthermore, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination and condemned human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir. He also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and called for international intervention to halt violence and establish a humanitarian corridor.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed the sentiment of unity and perseverance, urging the nation to follow the vision of the founding fathers to achieve peace, progress, and stability. Despite facing challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and terrorism, he pledged to steer Pakistan towards economic recovery and prosperity through comprehensive policy reforms.
The day also saw a change of guard ceremonies at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. Allama Iqbal, symbolizing reverence for the founding leaders.
As Pakistan commemorates its journey towards independence and nation-building, the Pakistan Day parade serves as a testament to the country's strength, resilience, and commitment to a brighter future.