ISLAMABAD: The nation will celebrate the 77th anniversary of Pakistan Day tomorrow (Thursday) against a backdrop of impressive successes by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism that have greatly improved the security environment in the country, paving the way for economic recovery and political stability. On the Day the nation will pledge to cleanse the country of all Fasadis and remain united to confront the challenges.
The day will dawn with 31 gun salute in the Federal Capital, 21 gun salute in the provincial capitals and prayers after Farj prayers will be offered in Mosques for the solidarity, integrity and prosperity of the country.
The hallmark of the celebrations will be the spectacular military parade at Parade Ground near Shakarparian in Islamabad which will include the march past of the contingent of the three services as well as guest troops from China, Saudi Arabia and a Turkish Band and a thrilling fly past by all types of aircraft in the inventory including F-17, JF-17 and AWACS and army helicopters.
Mechanized columns of various prestigious services of the country will exhibit inventory of highly sophisticated and modern weaponry and arsenal. Civil organizations will also show their material presence at the Parade by exhibiting floats depicting developments achieved by the country, besides the regional culture and heritage.
President Mamnoon Hussain will be the chief guest while Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, federal ministers, and the services chiefs will also witness the parade in addition to members of parliament, diplomats and the common citizens.
Amongst other dignitaries, Chief of South African National Defence Force, General Solly Zacharia will also witness the parade.
Special security arrangements have been put in place in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad as well as in other cities to avert any untoward incident.
The March 23 marks the historic day in 1940 when the Lahore Resolution was passed demanding a separate homeland for Muslims living in the Subcontinent.
A change of guard ceremony will be held at the mausoleum of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore in the morning. Various political, social, religious and literary organisations will arrange functions to highlight importance of the Pakistan Resolution that paved the way for the creation of an independent homeland for the Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent.
Photo exhibitions have been arranged at the arts galleries in different cities depicting different aspects of Independence Movement and photographs of the founding fathers.
The day will also be celebrated with traditional zeal and enthusiasm in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistan Day functions will be held at Pakistani missions abroad where ambassadors and high commissioners will unfurl the national flag and read out the messages of the president and prime minister.
Radio Pakistan, PTV and other electronic channels will relay live the Pakistan Day Parade and will broadcast special programmes on the occasion while newspapers will publish special supplements highlighting the significance of the day.
Various political, social, religious, educational and other organizations have arranged functions to highlight the importance of the Pakistan Resolution that paved the way for the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent.—APP
