23 March 2021: Nation Celebrates Pakistan Day
The nation today is celebrating Pakistan Day, commemorating the passing of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, the day when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the subcontinent.
Owing to the COPVID-19 pandemic the day saw all events commemorating the day held with strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The national flag was hoisted atop all major government buildings while the change of guard ceremonies were held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and Allama Iqbal in Lahore earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, the joint parade of armed forces on Pakistan Day, which is the main feature of the celebrations, was postponed due to the bad weather conditions in the federal capital.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the parade has been rescheduled for March 25 due to rain forecast by the Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) in Islamabad for the next two days.
President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan extended separate messages to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day. Both have urged the people to continue efforts to make the country truly democratic and a welfare state.
President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi in his message to the nation reaffirmed the resolve to make Pakistan an economically stronger and prosperous country.
He urged the people to remember the Kashmiri brethren, who are being subjected to the worst form of repression and state-sponsored terrorism.
Mr. President also said that the world must take notice of blatant human rights violations being committed by India in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the key to durable peace in South Asia is the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Message from President Dr. Arif Alvi for Pakistan Day.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 23, 2021
"On this Pakistan Day, we pay homage to the founding fathers of Pakistan whose services and sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent." pic.twitter.com/fFRUAHnTdr
Prime Minister Imran Khan in his Pakistan Day message to the nation, reaffirmed his commitment to make the country a humane, progressive, and prosperous state akin to Riyasat-e-Madina based on rule of law, meritocracy, egalitarianism, and compassion.
He said 23rd March 1940 was a momentous occasion when the Muslims of the Sub-Continent decided to establish a separate homeland to free themselves from the shackles of oppression and slavery of the Hindutva mindset.
"Today, we pay tribute to the Father of the Nation and all the leaders of the Independence Movement who united Muslims of British India and struggled for creation of a free and independent Muslim State. "#OneNationOneDestiny pic.twitter.com/7b0qS3zbjo
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) March 23, 2021
"While commemorating this day, we need to adhere to the principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline given by Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. "#OneNationOneDestiny pic.twitter.com/K3ssdeepbS
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) March 23, 2021
A number of political leaders also extended their special messages to the nation marking the resolution day:
Let this historic #PakistanResolutionDay serve as a reminder of Pakistan’s rightful place in the world, envisioned by the visionary architects of our country: A Pakistan of peace, tolerance, progress and prosperity.
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) March 23, 2021
🇵🇰 Zindabad!
There are enough days for introspection to examine why & how we have strayed so far from the Quaid's vision for Pakistan. There are enough days to protest & recriminate. Today is not that day. Today is a day to honour all those who envisioned & fought to make Pakistan a reality
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) March 23, 2021
On #PakistanDay 🇵🇰, let us cherish all our people, learn from the past and strive towards Jinnah’s Pakistan which advocates for peace, inclusion and prosperity. When learning stops, progress stops. Let Pakistan heal and recover. Bring the politics of tolerance and unity back. 💚 pic.twitter.com/6Ab0fI2zHc
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) March 23, 2021
