31-gun salutes in Islamabad, 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals held at daybreak; particular prayers provided
KARACHI:
The nation marked its Pakistan Day on Monday with gun salutes, official ceremonies and renewed pledges of nationwide unity and progress.
Pakistan Day is well known to commemorate the historic Lahore Decision, handed on March 23, 1940, which set the agenda for a separate homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent.
The day dawned with 31-gun salutes in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, symbolising nationwide sovereignty and the professionalism of the armed forces.
Particular prayers had been provided at daybreak for the nation’s growth, peace and prosperity, whereas celebrations throughout the nation echoed with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad”.
Karachi
In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and newly-appointed Governor Nihal Hashmi visited Mazar-e-Quaid, the place members of the provincial cupboard and different officers had been additionally current.
Talking to the media, the governor stated, “Quaid-e-Azam decided the creation of Pakistan by a decision,” including, “We pay tribute to those that made Pakistan.”
He stated the nation should proceed striving ahead, noting that “the vacation spot set by our elders nonetheless lies forward,” and urged that “we should present the world that Pakistan is a good nation.”
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to the nation’s founder, saying, “On Pakistan Day, we pay homage to Quaid-e-Azam, who laid the inspiration of the nation.” He added that the Pakistan Decision was handed with the assist of the Sindh Muslim League.
Learn: President, PM urge unity amid challenges
Referring to nationwide safety, he stated Pakistan gained energy by “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s nuclear programme” and that the nation’s defence had been additional strengthened over time. He additionally harassed the necessity for unity, saying, “We should overcome our inside variations.”
Governor Hashmi highlighted the state of affairs in Kashmir, saying Kashmiris had been dealing with oppression, and urged Muslim leaders to play their position in ending the battle within the area.
President Zardari
President Asif Ali Zardari, in a put up on X, paid tribute to the nation’s nationwide heroes, martyrs, and ghazis on Pakistan Day, acknowledging their sacrifices for the nation’s creation and stability.
“Allow us to pay tribute to our nationwide heroes and to the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed for the creation and stability of Pakistan and devoted their lives to the safety, stability and prosperity of the motherland. Might Allah Almighty be our protector and supporter. Ameen.” pic.twitter.com/mIq0R5W1wJ
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 23, 2026
Within the message, he stated: “Allow us to pay tribute to our nationwide heroes and to the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed for the creation and stability of Pakistan and devoted their lives to the safety, stability and prosperity of the motherland. Might Allah Almighty be our protector and supporter. Ameen.”
President and PM messages
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif referred to as for nationwide unity, resilience and collective efforts to steer Pakistan by present challenges.
In separate messages on the event, each leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Motion’s leaders and employees and emphasised the necessity to strengthen democratic establishments, make sure the rule of regulation and pursue financial stability whereas confronting inside and exterior challenges.
President Zardari stated that Pakistan Day served as a reminder that unity and solidarity stay probably the most very important components in reworking nationwide aspirations into actuality.
He recalled that on March 23, 1940, the Muslims of the Subcontinent adopted the Pakistan Decision, laying the inspiration for a separate homeland the place they might stay in line with their beliefs and values.
Paying homage to the sacrifices of the nation’s forefathers, the president stated Pakistan had overcome quite a few challenges since its creation in 1947 by collective efforts, laborious work and dedication.
He highlighted achievements together with the institution of sturdy state establishments, growth of an impregnable defence functionality and acquisition of nuclear deterrence.
The president additionally referred to Pakistan’s success in combating terrorism and its resilience throughout pure disasters, describing them as examples of nationwide unity and sacrifice.
He stated that regardless of these achievements, the nation continued to face challenges on each inside and exterior fronts.
Referring to current safety operations, he stated Pakistan had responded successfully to threats and wouldn’t permit any group to make use of international soil in opposition to its pursuits. He reiterated that components sponsoring terrorism or trying to undermine peace can be handled decisively.
On regional points, President Zardari condemned human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and described Kashmir because the unfinished agenda of Partition.
He urged the worldwide neighborhood to make sure the Kashmiri individuals’s proper to self-determination in step with United Nations resolutions.
He additionally referred to as for world efforts to finish atrocities in opposition to Palestinians and harassed the necessity for resolving tensions in West Asia by dialogue and diplomacy.
Emphasising home priorities, the president urged strengthening democratic establishments, lowering inequality, empowering girls and eliminating extremism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his message, stated the nation had demonstrated outstanding resilience since independence and was steadily progressing in direction of a brighter future regardless of financial and safety challenges.
Armed Forces message
In an announcement issued by ISPR, Discipline Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), T Bt, Chief of the Naval Workers; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Workers, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, prolong their heartfelt congratulations to the nation.] on Pakistan Day.
The armed forces management stated March 23, 1940, “stands out as a defining second in our historical past” that “crystallised our collective imaginative and prescient and set the course for the creation of an impartial homeland.”
The assertion added that the day displays a nation “rooted in religion, guided by hope, and strengthened by resilience,” embodying the “unwavering resolve of the individuals of Pakistan.”
Reiterating their dedication, the armed forces stated Pakistan “stays resolute in strengthening its democratic establishments, guaranteeing nationwide safety, and safeguarding the well-being of its residents.”
Referring to ongoing challenges, the assertion stated that “at a time when our nation continues to confront the menace of terrorism and extremism,” the armed forces, together with regulation enforcement companies and the general public, stay “united and unwavering in our resolve to eradicate the threats to Pakistan’s safety.”
The armed forces additionally reaffirmed its position in defending the nation, stating it stays “ever vigilant and steadfast” in “defending our sacred frontiers, defending nationwide sovereignty, and sustaining inside safety in opposition to all types of aggression and terrorism.”
It concluded with a message of unity and optimism, saying the nation strikes ahead with “everlasting hope, unmatched resilience, and an unshakeable dedication to enduring prosperity.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Overseas Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday referred to as for unity and resilience, urging the nation to “stay steadfast” amid regional tensions in his Pakistan Day message.
Extending greetings to residents in a put up on X, Dar paid tribute to the nation’s founders. He stated the nation honours the “unwavering and brave efforts, imaginative and prescient, and dedication of our ancestors,” including that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the motion with “outstanding resilience, bravery, and conviction.”
🔊 Message of the Deputy Prime Minister/Overseas Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 on the Event of Pakistan Day, March 23, 2026
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7V9a4BooiO
— Ministry of Overseas Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 23, 2026
Referring to the present state of affairs, Dar stated the area is “engulfed in conflicts”, with financial and political repercussions affecting Pakistan as effectively. He expressed hope that the nation, “whereas sticking to the values of unity, religion and self-discipline, will probably be steadfast and collectively we will efficiently navigate this problem.”
He reaffirmed that Pakistan “stays firmly dedicated to eradicate the menace of terrorism” and paid tribute to safety forces, saying they’re “sacrificing their lives in its pursuit.”
On Kashmir, Dar stated Pakistan “stays steadfast in its dedication to offering ethical and diplomatic assist” till the individuals obtain their proper to self-determination.
He additionally praised abroad Pakistanis for his or her “patriotism, dedication, and laborious work,” noting that they “play an important position in shaping the nation’s future success.”
