Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The nation would 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 fasaadis and remain united to confront the challenges.

The day will dawn with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals, while special prayers after fajr 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 the Parade Ground near Shakarparian in Islamabad, which will include the march past of the contingents of the three services as well as guest troops from China, Saudi Arabia and a Turkish band. Activities also include a thrilling fly past by all types of aircraft in the inventory, including F-17, JF-17 and AWACS, besides army helicopters.

Mechanised columns of various prestigious services of the country will exhibit the inventory of highly sophisticated and modern weaponry and arsenal.

Civil organisations 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 Nawaz Sharif, federal ministers and the service chiefs will also witness the parade, in addition to members of parliament, diplomats and 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 as well as in other cities to avert any untoward incident.

March 23 marks the historic day in 1940 when the Lahore Resolution was passed, demanding a separate homeland for Muslims living in the Indian 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 the 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 also been arranged at the arts galleries of different cities, depicting different aspects of the 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 the prime minister.

Radio Pakistan, PTV and other TC channels will give live coverage to the Pakistan Day parade and broadcast special programmes on the occasion, while newspapers have arranged special supplements highlighting the significance of the day.

Various political, social, religious, educational and other organisations 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 undivided India.