Online Desk: The nation celebrates Pakistan Day (Sunday) with renewed pledge to work hard for the progress and stability of the country. The day marks adoption of historic Lahore Resolution on this day in 1940 that provided a framework for realization of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia. The Day will dawn with 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in provincial capitals.

Special prayers will be offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the progress, prosperity and solidarity of the country. Pakistan Day parade will be held on a limited scale at Aiwan-e-Sadr due to the month of Ramazan. President Asif Ali Zardari was the chief guest on the occasion. Contingents from all the three Armed Forces actively participated in the Parade. Fighter jets from Pakistan Air Force conducted a flypast.

In connection with the Day, ISPR has released a special song with beautiful lyrics “Meray Mehboob Pakistan- Meri Jaan Pakistan”. Special message of the song is:  “Aik Dil, Aik Jaan, Aik Pakistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari urged every Pakistani to rise above differences, reject division and negativity; and work together to build a prosperous, inclusive, and just Pakistan.

“We are determined to build stronger relationships with our neighbours as well as the global community, based on mutual respect and shared prosperity. At the same time, we remain steadfast in defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies have made immense sacrifices to protect our homeland, and we salute their bravery and dedication,” he added.

On the day, the president reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, who continue their struggle for self-determination. Pakistan urged the international community to take immediate and decisive steps to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, allowing the people of Kashmir and Palestine to decide their future

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif 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.“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.

The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the Service Chiefs extend heartfelt congratu-lations to the nation on the 85th anniversary of Pakistan Day. With steadfast determination and divine guidance, Pakistan remains resolute in fortifying its democratic institutions and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens. The Armed Forces of Pakistan, ever vigilant and steadfast, reaffirm their unwavering commitment to protecting our sacred frontiers and upholding the sover-eignty of our beloved motherland.