LAHORE
\nThe nation is set to celebrate Pakistan Day on Monday with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic and welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
\nThe day is observed to commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution passed on 23rd March in 1940, under which Muslims of the Sub-continent set the agenda of a separate homeland for themselves. The day dawned with thirty-one-gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one-gun salute in provincial capitals.
\nSpecial prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.
\nSindh Governor Nihal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid their respects at Mazar-e-Quaid. Members of the Sindh cabinet were also present with the Chief Minister. They laid flowers at the grave of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and offered Fateha. Later, they recorded their impressions in the visitors\u2019 book.
\nA change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal on the occasion of Pakistan Day. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force presented an impressive march-past.
\nThe Pakistan Air Force took over the security responsibilities of Mazar-e-Iqbal, which were previously handled by the Sutlej Rangers. Air Vice Marshal Shahid Afzal, Air Officer Commanding of PAF Airmen Academy Korangi Creek, was the chief guest on the occasion. He laid a floral wreath, and offered Fateha at the grave.
\nMeanwhile, ISPR has released a special national song \u2018Meri Mitti Meri Jaan, Pakistan Zindabad\u2019 in connection with Pakistan Day.
\nThe national song carries a strong message of patriotism and national unity in relation to Pakistan Day.
\nIt may be recalled that President Asif Ali Zardari cancelled parade by the armed forces in view of the Gulf oil crisis and austerity measures, on PM\u2019s advice.
\nA post on the President\u2019s X account said: \u201cPresident Asif Ali Zardari approves summary to cancel Pakistan Day parade and related events on March 23, 2026, in view of the Gulf oil crisis and austerity measures, on PM\u2019s advice. Investiture ceremony has been rescheduled to 28 April.\u201d
\nA statement issued from the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO) on March 17 stated that in the backdrop of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the consequent austerity measures announced by the government, it was decided that the Pakistan Day parade and associated ceremonial events shall not be held on March 23.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LAHORE The nation is set to celebrate Pakistan Day on Monday with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic and welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The day is observed to commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution passed on 23rd March in 1940, under which Muslims […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-537807","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n