On Pakistan Day, President Zardari urges people to reaffirm commitment to democracy, justice

As nation celebrates Pakistan Day, President Asif Ali Zardari urged the people to reaffirm commitment to democracy, justice, and equality.

Pakistan Day marks adoption of the historic Lahore Resolution this day in 1940 that provided a framework for realization of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia.

Through this resolution, the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. A change of guards ceremony were also held at the mausoleums of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in Karachi and Lahore.

The grand military parade held in Islamabad featured contingents of the three armed forces and other security forces conducting a march past.

Fighter planes also presented aerobatic maneuvers.

Meanwhile, an investiture ceremony will also be held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in the afternoon where President Zardari will confer awards and medals to personalities for their outstanding contribution in different fields.

In his message, the president stressed upon the nation to participate in nation-building process actively, embracing the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion, as per Radio Pakistan.

President Zardari said the armed forces, civil administration, police, and law enforcement agencies have, with unwavering commitment, "ensured the safety, security, and sovereignty of our nation".

Later, addressing the Pakistan Day Military Parade, the president said that Pakistan wants good relations with all its neighbors.

The president said that Pakistan will not tolerate any efforts by the terrorists or any group to destabilize the country. He said the world community recognizes Pakistan's efforts and sacrifices in the war on terrorism.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his message asked nation to follow the footsteps of founding fathers to make Pakistan a trivet of peace, progress and stability.

"Our forefathers made untiring efforts and rendered exemplary sacrifices for Pakistan as millions of Muslims left their homes in India and decided to migrate to Pakistan.

We are completely cognizant of the serious challenges confronting Pakistan currently including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism."

President confers Nishan-e-Pakistan award on Saudi Defence Minister

Meanwhile, President Zardari conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan award on Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud in recognition of his meritorious services for promotion of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia especially in the sphere of defence.

The investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.

Moreover, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Saturday that President Zardari has granted the Military awards to the officers and soldiers of Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force.

"1 Sitara-i-Basalat, 135 Tamgha-i-Basalat, 45 Imtiazi Asnad, 148 COAS Commendation Cards, 23 Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 109 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 137 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) were awarded to officers and soldiers," the statement read.