ISLAMABAD: Pakistani nation will celebrate Pakistan Day on Sunday with traditional enthusiasm, reaffirming its commitment to the country’s progress, stability, and prosperity.
The day marks the adoption of the Lahore Resolution on 23rd March 1940, which laid the foundation for an independent homeland for Muslims in South Asia.
The day will commence with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals of Pakistan. Special prayers will be offered in mosques after Dawn prayers, seeking peace, development, and solidarity for the country.
Pakistan Day Parade
The annual Pakistan Day Parade will be held at the President House in Islamabad but on a limited scale due to the holy month of Ramadan, local media reported citing official sources. President Asif Ali Zardari will preside over the ceremony as the chief guest.
Troops from the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force will participate in the parade, paying tribute to the country. Fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will conduct a flypast, displaying aerial manoeuvres.
Furthermore, an investiture ceremony will be held at President House in the afternoon, where President Zardari will confer awards and medals to individuals for their outstanding contributions in various fields.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has released a special song to mark the occasion, titled “Meray Mehboob Pakistan – Meri Jaan Pakistan”. The song’s central message is: “Aik Dil, Aik Jaan, Aik Pakistan.”
International felicitations and celebrations
China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong attended a National Day reception hosted by the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing on Thursday to commemorate the Pakistan Day.
Addressing the event as Chief Guest, Sun reaffirmed China’s commitment to its All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with Pakistan and lauded the iron-clad friendship between the two nations.
Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, dating back to the ancient Silk Route. He stressed that China-Pakistan relations are built on mutual trust, respect, and shared aspirations for regional stability.
Highlights of the National Day reception hosted by @PakinChina_ on the occasion of National Day of Pakistan 2025.@ForeignOfficePk @appcsocialmedia @PTVNewsOfficial @MoIB_Official @epwing_official @PkPublicDiplo @KhalilHashmi pic.twitter.com/adkoIQ1f97
— Pakistan Embassy China (@PakinChina_) March 20, 2025
Senior Chinese officials, diplomats, business leaders, and media representatives also attended the event. A cultural performance by Chinese and Pakistani children was showcased, symbolising the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Similarly, the Embassy of Iran extended warm felicitations to the government and people of Pakistan.
Statement of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran on March 23rd, Pakistan National Day: pic.twitter.com/N3B2kcYgrE
— Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran- Islamabad (@IraninIslamabad) March 22, 2025
In a message of solidarity, the embassy paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal, acknowledging their visionary leadership.
The embassy emphasised the historic bilateral ties between Iran and Pakistan, built on Islamic brotherhood, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, conveyed his best wishes in a video message delivered in Urdu.
He expressed hope for peace, prosperity, and stronger bilateral ties, concluding with: “Long Live Japan-Pakistan Friendship.”
Pakistan’s diplomatic missions worldwide are also hosting special events to mark the occasion.
In New York, the State Assembly and Senate have officially proclaimed 23rd March as “Pakistan-American Heritage Day” and 19th March as “Pakistani-American Business Celebration Day” through unanimous resolutions.
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also organised a reception, attended by diplomats, political figures, journalists, civil society members, and business representatives.
Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich addressed the gathering, underscoring the historical significance of the Lahore Resolution.
Historical significance of Pakistan Day
Pakistan Day commemorates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the All India Muslim League on 23rd March 1940 in Lahore. The resolution formally called for a separate and independent Muslim homeland, ultimately leading to the creation of Pakistan on 14th August 1947.
Every year, Pakistanis at home and abroad observe the day with patriotic fervour, reflecting on the country’s journey, resilience, and aspirations for a prosperous future.
