Pakistan Day marked with gun salutes, unity calls and renewed resolve nationwide

ISLAMABAD: The nation celebrated Pakistan Day on Monday with gun salutes, official ceremonies and renewed pledges of unity and progress.

The day commemorates the historic Lahore Resolution, passed on March 23, 1940, which laid the foundation for a separate homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent.

The day began with 31-gun salutes in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, symbolising national sovereignty and the professionalism of the armed forces. Special prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and development, while patriotic celebrations echoed across the country.

Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country. Change of guards ceremonies were held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi and Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the National Flag in Lahore to mark the celebrations of Pakistan Day.

Last week, the government announced that it would not hold the usual Pakistan Day parade and other ceremonial events on March 23, in light of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the resulting austerity measures unveiled by the government.

In their messages, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the national heroes and to the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed for the creation and stability of Pakistan.

In their messages on Pakistan Day, they said undoubtedly, with the blessing of freedom, Pakistan stands as a testament to the wisdom, determination, perseverance, and sacrifices of our ancestors.

The President and Prime Minister said the entire nation stands resolute in upholding its proud traditions and remains ever ready to face any challenge.

The President in his message said that despite early challenges after independence, Pakistan made significant progress through determination and cooperation, including building strong institutions, enhancing defense capabilities, and combating terrorism. Reaffirming Pakistan's resolve against security threats, he stressed that no group will be allowed to use foreign soil to act against the country.

The Prime Minister in his message said the government, has steered Pakistan's economy towards sustainable growth despite numerous challenges. He said sustainable peace in South Asia is linked to the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue and Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to our brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.

Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid their respects at Mazar-e-Quaid. Members of the Sindh cabinet were also present with the Chief Minister. They laid flowers at the grave of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and offered Fateha. Later, they recorded their impressions in the visitors’ book.

A change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal on the occasion of Pakistan Day. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force presented an impressive march-past.

The Pakistan Air Force took over the security responsibilities of Mazar-e-Iqbal, which were previously handled by the Sutlej Rangers. Air Vice Marshal Shahid Afzal, Air Officer Commanding of PAF Airmen Academy Korangi Creek, was the chief guest on the occasion. He laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha at the grave.

Meanwhile, ISPR has released a special national song 'Meri Mitti Meri Jaan, Pakistan Zindabad' in connection with Pakistan Day. The national song carries a strong message of patriotism and national unity in relation to Pakistan Day.

It may be recalled that President Asif Ali Zardari cancelled parade by the armed forces in view of the Gulf oil crisis and austerity measures, on PM’s advice.

A post on the President’s X account said: “President Asif Ali Zardari approves summary to cancel Pakistan Day parade and related events on March 23, 2026, in view of the Gulf oil crisis and austerity measures, on PM’s advice. The investiture ceremony has been rescheduled to 28 April.”

A statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on March 17 stated that in the backdrop of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the consequent austerity measures announced by the government, it was decided that the Pakistan Day parade and associated ceremonial events shall not be held on March 23.

Pakistan military leadership vows resolve to eliminate threats to national security

The Armed Forces of Pakistan on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to defending national sovereignty, combating terrorism, and ensuring internal security, saying that they remain unwavering in their resolve to eradicate threats to the country’s security.

Pakistan Day, observed on March 23 every year, commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.

In a statement marking the 86th anniversary of Pakistan Day, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the country continues to confront the menace of terrorism and extremism, adding that the armed forces, in coordination with law enforcement agencies and the public, remain steadfast in ensuring national security.

The statement said the armed forces reaffirm their enduring commitment to defending the country’s frontiers, safeguarding sovereignty, and maintaining internal stability against all forms of aggression and terrorism.

Extending congratulations to the nation, Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu lauded the spirit of the people and paid tribute to their resilience.

Recalling the significance of March 23, 1940, the statement described it as a defining moment that laid the foundation for an independent homeland, reflecting the collective vision and determination of the Muslims of the subcontinent.

It said Pakistan continues to progress under democratic principles, guided by faith, hope and resilience, while remaining committed to strengthening state institutions and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

Highlighting Pakistan’s global role, the ISPR said the country stands as a responsible member of the international community, advocating peace, stability and cooperation.

The ISPR added that the nation, united in purpose, continues its journey forward with resilience and a firm commitment to long-term prosperity.

The statement comes as the Pakistan Army responded to the Afghan Taliban’s unprovoked attacks, resulting in the killing of more than 700 Taliban operatives and banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and the destruction of several important Afghan infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Pakistan announced a temporary pause in the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against terrorists in view of the Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr.

In an X post, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that upon Islamabad’s own initiative as well as on the request from the brotherly Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, the government has decided to announce a temporary pause in the ongoing military operation against the terrorists.

“The pause shall be applicable from midnight 18/19 March 2026 to midnight 23/24 March 2026,” he added. The minister also said that Islamabad offers the gesture in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms.

Naqvi calls for unity and Pakistan Day spirit to tackle challenges

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistan is a priceless blessing of Almighty Allah and the result of a great ideology and everlasting sacrifices, adding that even today the country needs the spirit, unity and solidarity of Pakistan Day to overcome internal and external challenges.

Extending greetings to the nation on Pakistan Day, Mohsin Naqvi said that March 23 is an unforgettable story of resolve and loyalty and a symbol of national unity and steadfastness.

He paid glowing tribute to the founders of Pakistan and the martyrs of the Pakistan Movement.

He said that March 23, 1940, is a golden chapter in history when our forefathers laid the foundation of a separate homeland, adding that the promise made at the historic gathering in Lahore was fulfilled in the form of Pakistan just seven years later.

He stated that Pakistan is a great blessing of Allah Almighty and the outcome of a ideology and unparalleled sacrifices, adding that the Lahore Resolution conveyed a clear message that Muslims are a separate nation and require political, economic and geographical independence. He said Pakistan Day reminds us that nations survive through ideology, unity and continuous struggle.

Mohsin Naqvi said that this day marks the renewal of national unity, self-respect and the commitment to progress, adding that to deal with the internal and external challenges faced by Pakistan, the same spirit of Pakistan Day, unity and solidarity is still needed today.

The Interior Minister said that the golden principles of unity, faith and discipline given by Muhammad Ali Jinnah are the guarantee of success, adding that as a nation, we reaffirm the resolve that we will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for the security, stability and prosperity of our beloved homeland.