Vowing that Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty, President Dr Arif Alvi has stated resolutely that the nation and armed forces will thwart any external aggression, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
“I want to make it clear to the enemy that Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty as the nation and armed forces are ready to thwart any aggression,” the president said while address the Pakistan Day ceremony held here at the Parade Avenue, Shakarparian.
This year’s Pakistan Day celebrations have got special significance as the foreign ministers of the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have witnessed the joint services parade, where Pakistan has showcased its military might.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, cabinet members, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and prominent figures who gained accolades for their services to Pakistan were present.
In his address, President Alvi expressed his apprehension over the expansionist designs of Pakistan’s neighbouring country saying it was a matter of concern for the security and stability of the South Asian region.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibSmw69dVtw
He said India had occupied Jammu and Kashmir illegally and urged the international community and the United Nations to stop the ongoing human rights violations in the held valley.
While giving reference to the country’s fight against extremism and terrorism, the president said, “Pakistani nation has made immense sacrifices in wars and stood resilient against internal and external conspiracies.”
He eulogized bravery and courage of the country’s armed forces and nation for making their homeland strong and prosperous.
Dr Alvi was of the view the Pakistani nation and all institutions of the country supported the upholding of democracy in the country.
“We should always keep in view the saying of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to stand united as a nation and demonstrate faith and discipline within our ranks,” he said.
On this occasion, the president felicitated the nation saying the day was special in a way that it coincided with the 75th anniversary of the country’s establishment.
He paid glowing tribute to the countrymen who laid their lives for the sovereignty of country and contributed towards its stability.
“Being a strong and united nation, we vow to keep high the integrity and sovereignty of our motherland,” he said.
He reminded that the purpose of the creation of Pakistan was to establish a modern Islamic welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBgYVAedmZ4
On the two-day OIC-CFM moot being hosted by Pakistan, he said as a founding member, Pakistan was committed to the strengthening of the Islamic body.
He highlighted that the world was facing several challenges including the issues of Palestine and Kashmir that needed urgent resolution.
He pointed out the worldwide rising trend of Islamophobia and mentioned that the OIC and Pakistan made strong efforts against it which resulted in the passage of a resolution by the United Nations
He expressed satisfaction that March 15 would be marked every year as the day to counter Islamophobia, and said the act would help check hatred against Muslims across the world.
On Afghanistan, he said the world must take note of the situation where the Afghans were suffering humanitarian crisis in shape of hunger and poverty.
While mentioning challenges being faced by Pakistan, the president said Pakistan was facing challenges like extremism, intolerance, fake news, and denial of the rights of women.
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He appealed to all segments of society particularly Ulema, parents, teachers and media to realize their responsibility in this regard. He emphasized on strengthening the family system in order to keep the social fabric intact.
He expressed confidence that nation would stand undeterred in the journey towards making the country strong and prosperous.
“This event is the reflection of unity and progress of our nation and also shows the picture of our military strength,” he said.
Pakistan Day celebrations
The nation celebrated the 75th Pakistan Day with national fervour and with the spirit of patriotism all across the country Wednesday.
The main function of Pakistan Day celebrations is being held in Islamabad.
President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, OIC foreign ministers and the guests witnessed the march past of the contingents of tri-services including Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force.
The day is being observed to commemorate the historic Pakistan Resolution which was passed on 23rd March 1940. The resolution demanded a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent.
The day dawned with 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. The whole atmosphere was resonated with the echoes of Allah-o-Akbar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eyuw5QRlMBE
The Special Service Group (SSG) commandoes also displayed their free fall demo skills.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9do7Sqxj7LY
The main feature of the day was included a grand military parade in Islamabad in which contingents of the three armed forces and other security forces conducted march past while fighter planes presented aerobatic maneuvers. The foreign troops of friendly countries also took part in the military parade.
The contingents of friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Bahrain.
The marching columns of Armour Corps, Artillery, Rangers, Air Defence, Coast Guards, and the women contingent of Armed Forces Nursing Service passed by the dais.
The ‘Sherdils’ team of seven Karakoram aircraft presented enthralling aerobatics, leaving colourful trail of smoke in the blue sky.
The paratroopers of the three services made freefall jumps from the altitude of 10,000 feet and precisely landed at their designated targets in the ground.
The floats of the provinces depicted their unique culture through artifacts, folk songs and dances in a show of national harmony. A special float of OIC countries was also showcased for the interest of especially invited delegations.
Pakistan is currently hosting 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation which opened yesterday and will conclude today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNl0oJnOoB0
The foreign dignitaries participating in the OIC also witnessed the Pakistan Day Parade as Guests of Honour.
Various organizations and departments have also planned a number of activities including seminars, conferences and discussion programs to highlight the historical significance of Pakistan Day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6pQ9KJY9-I
A change of guards ceremony was also held at the mausoleums of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in Karachi and Lahore, respectively.
During the change of guards ceremony in Lahore, a special contingent of the Pakistan Air Force assumed the command. Air Vice Marshal Zubair Hassan Khan was the chief guest on the occasion.
Pakistan displays its military might
During the Pakistan Day ceremony, Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar flew an F-16 warplane and presented salute during the fly-past along with two other J-10 aircraft. Wing Commander Bilal Raza and Wing Commander Hassan Anees were also with the PAF chief on this occasion.
It is pertinent to mention here that a fleet of state-of-the-art J-10 has recently added to the combat paraphernalia of the Pakistan Air Force.
On this occasion, Pakistan exhibited its military might. It displayed Shaheen III and other missiles during the Pakistan Day parade. The Nasr Missile team was led by Major Muhammad Azeem Rajpoot.
Pakistan Day observed in Balochistan
The Pakistan Day was also celebrated in Balochistan. The 23rd March celebrations were held in Qalat, Jafarabad, Dera Bugti, Kohlo and Chaman. The national flag was unfurled and active police contingents presented salute during the ceremonies.
The Pakistan Day was also celebrated with national zeal in Azad Kashmir. A ceremony was held in this connection in Mirpur.
AJK Minister for Energy and Water Resources Ch Arshad Hussain unfurled the national flag. The police contingent presented marchpast and salute. National anthems of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir were sung on this occasion.