Pakistan Day celebrations kicked off today (Friday) with a joint military parade at the Parade Ground near Islamabad’s Shakarparian Hills.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Holy Quran.  President Mamnoon Hussain observed the parade from a jeep. Also present at the event were Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Defence Minister Khurrum Dastgir, Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee Zubair Mehmood Hayat and other civil and military top brass.

Guest of honour, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, was also present at the venue. Troops marched past and fighter jets presented a fly past. Floats representing myriad cultures of Pakistan were also displayed.

Over 2, 000 personnel have been deployed to secure Islamabad in connection with Pakistan Day events. Faizabad Interchange and roads leading to Parade Ground are closed except for invitees who have been issued special passes.

President’s message on Pakistan Day

In his March 23 message, the President exhorted the nation to take Pakistan to heights of glory envisioned by its founders. Paying homage to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, national poet Allama Iqbal and other leaders of the freedom movement he said, March 23 was “a vivid reminder that Pakistan was established through a democratic struggle. Democracy is key to national development and stability.”

Prime minister’s message 

In his message to the nation, the prime minister emphasised the need to introspect on the past to adequately plan for the future. “We must analyse our successes and our failures,” he said.

Abbasi observed that the creation of Pakistan was rooted in a democratic struggle and its existence, security, integrity, development and prosperity hinged on democracy. “We cannot succeed without upholding the rule of law and supremacy of the constitution,” he added.