The Pakistan Day was celebrated on Wednesday across the country and in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) with traditional zeal and enthusiasm to commemorate the passage of the Lahore Resolution, later called, the Pakistan Resolution, which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan.
The day dawned with special prayers for progress and prosperity of the country and with 31 gun salutes in the federal capital as well as 21 gun salutes in provincial capitals. The national flag was hoisted on important public and private buildings throughout the country and all Pakistani missions abroad. This year too, the permanent feature of armed forces parade on Pakistan Day was cancelled owing to security reasons as well as hectic engagement of troops in the tribal areas of the country to fight against militants.
Governmental, political, cultural, social and other organisations chalked out various programmes to mark the day in a befitting manner. It was a public holiday on Wednesday. In the provincial capital, Lahore, several dignitaries visited the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal to pay homage to the great poet and philosopher. People belonging to different walks of life also visited the mausoleum and laid wreaths on the grave and offered Fateha.
Sindh Governor, Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and other dignitaries visited the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and laid floral wreaths and paid great homage to the Father of the Nation. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah also laid floral wreath at the Quaid's mausoleum and paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at mazar-e-Quaid. Provincial ministers were also present on this occasion. A large number of people belonging to all walks of life also visited the mausoleum and offered Fateha.
Pakistan Day was celebrated with traditional zeal across Balochistan to commemorate the passage of Pakistan Resolution. National flag was hoisted at important governmental installations and public points. Special Shuhada Parade was held at Staff College Road Quetta Cantt in which rich tributes was paid to martyrs of the Pakistan Movement. Pakistan-Day was also celebrated with traditional zeal, fervour and enthusiasm in the AJK. Flag hosting ceremonies, seminars, symposia and debates were the hall mark of the Day. Various programmes and ceremonies were held in different cities of the Azad territory.