President Asif Ali Zardari’s resolute address at the Pakistan Day Parade stands as a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to sovereignty, regional stability, and economic prosperity. Amidst the grandeur of the parade, President Zardari’s words echoed the essence of Pakistan’s journey, its challenges, and its aspirations for the future.
Pakistan Day is commemorated on March 23, 1940, the day the Lahore Resolution was adopted. The All-India Muslim League proposed this resolution, which demanded that Muslims in the subcontinent have their own unique homeland.
COMMEMORATING PAKISTAN DAY: A REFLECTION OF RESILIENCE
As the nation commemorates the Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940, the Pakistan Day Parade serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the struggles endured in the pursuit of independence. The ceremonial gun salutes reverberated across the country, symbolizing the spirit of resilience that defines Pakistan’s narrative.
A SHOWCASE OF STRENGTH
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud were among the dignitaries who gathered to watch Pakistan’s demonstration of strength and unity amidst the parade’s splendour. President Zardari’s speech emphasised the need for unity in defending Pakistan’s security and the nation’s readiness to defend against any challenge to its sovereignty.
“Today’s parade serves as a reminder of our solidarity, fortitude, and dignity,” declared the president, who had earlier observed the procession after being brought by horse-drawn presidential guards to the parade site.
He highlighted that the Kashmir dispute was the main reason for instability in the region, with the people of Kashmir demanding their self-determination rights for the last 76 years. Condemning Indian brutalities and human rights violations in Kashmir, President Zardari urged the international community to implement UN Security Council resolutions and assured Kashmiris of Pakistan’s unwavering support until they achieve their right to self-determination.
Regarding the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, he appealed to the international community to stop killings of women and children, declare a ceasefire, and establish a humanitarian corridor. President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for the Palestinian people until the resolution of the issue as per their aspirations.
Recounting Pakistan’s journey marked with ups and downs, he praised the nation’s achievements in defense, agriculture, technology, and its contribution to fighting terrorism internationally. Despite facing numerous challenges, he expressed confidence in the Pakistani nation’s ability to overcome current problems.
President Zardari announced the formation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council to attract investment in various sectors and called for political parties to set aside their interests for the country’s prosperity. He thanked friendly countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the UAE, for their support.
The national song and Recitation from the Holy Quran opened the procession, which was then followed by a ceremonial salute to the flag. The Pakistan Air Force and Navy performed fly-past formations during the parade, which was commanded by Brigadier Shahzad Ali Arshad and reviewed by President Asif Zardari. Fighter jets and paratroopers from the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, and Pakistan Navy performed aerobatic manoeuvres, while contingents of the armed services and security forces marched.
KASHMIR TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The President Zardari congratulated the nation on the Day, commemorating the historic struggle of the Muslims of the subcontinent to achieve a separate homeland under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He also paid tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis with a resolve to make all-out efforts to protect national security and sovereignty.
The president’s address encompassed domestic subjects such as recent elections, efforts against terrorism, economic challenges, and the establishment of SIFC, as well as the regional situation, including human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gaza. President Zardari emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to not compromise its sovereignty and to tolerate any destabilising efforts.
President highlighted that the Kashmir dispute was the main reason for instability in the region, with the people of Kashmir demanding their self-determination rights for the last 76 years. Condemning Indian brutalities and human rights violations in Kashmir, President Zardari urged the international community to implement UN Security Council resolutions and assured Kashmiris of Pakistan’s unwavering support until they achieve their right to self-determination.
Regarding the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, he appealed to the international community to stop killings of women and children, declare a ceasefire, and establish a humanitarian corridor. President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for the Palestinian people until the resolution of the issue as per their aspirations.
Recounting Pakistan’s journey marked with ups and downs, he praised the nation’s achievements in defense, agriculture, technology, and its contribution to fighting terrorism internationally. Despite facing numerous challenges, he expressed confidence in the Pakistani nation’s ability to overcome current problems.
ECONOMIC RESILIENCE
President Zardari announced the formation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council to attract investment in various sectors and called for political parties to set aside their interests for the country’s prosperity. He thanked friendly countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the UAE, for their support.
“I think that by addressing the challenges of the past, we can still lead this nation out of the enduring issues that it faces today. The people of Pakistan are intelligent and industrious.
By using their brains, the youth may secure a bright future,” he stated. President Zardari made the announcement during the function that the Special Investment Facilitation Council was formed to attract funding to the information technology, mining, energy, and livestock industries.
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS: FROM DEFENSE TO TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
President Zardari’s address celebrated Pakistan’s remarkable achievements across diverse domains, including defense, agriculture, and technology. Despite myriad challenges, Pakistan has emerged as a resilient nation, recognized internationally for its contributions to combating terrorism and fostering technological advancements.
“I think that by addressing the challenges of the past, we can still lead this nation out of the enduring issues that it faces today. The people of Pakistan are intelligent and industrious.
The young people can ensure a bright future by applying their mental faculties,” he said. At the event, President Zardari announced that the Special Investment Facilitation Council was established to draw capital to the energy, mining, livestock, agricultural, and information technology sectors.
BILAWAL BHUTTO ZARDARI
Happy Pakistan Day to all my fellow countrymen! Today is a day to pay homage to the sacrifices and unwavering determination of our forefathers. Every Pakistani should renew their commitment to the common goal of building a bright future for our beloved country. Said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on his ‘X’ handle, formerly known as Twitter.
تمام اہل وطن کو یوم پاکستان مبارک ہو، آج کا دن اپنے اجداد کی قربانیوں اور غیر متزلزل عزم کو خراج عقیدت پیش کرنے کا دن ہے۔ آج کے دن ہر پاکستانی کو اپنے پیارے ملک کے روشن مستقبل کی تعمیر کے مشترکہ مقصد کے لیے تجدید عہد کرنا چاہیے، آئیے ہم سب مل کر امید، حوصلہ اور عزم کے ساتھ آگے… pic.twitter.com/6clP83wMkh
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) March 23, 2024
INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT AND SOLIDARITY
President Zardari extended gratitude to friendly nations, including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the UAE, for their steadfast support. Their solidarity underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared challenges and fostering global stability.
