Pakistan Day was celebrated today with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and to ensure its progress, prosperity and a strong defence. 

The day was 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.

Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajar prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.

Radio Pakistan and PTV broadcasted special programmes to highlight the significance of the day and pay tribute to the leaders and workers of Pakistan Movement.

Due to bad weather Pakistan Day Military Parade of the Armed Forces at Aiwan-e-Sadr has been postponed till Saturday.

A simple but graceful Change of Guards ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore.

Pakistan Air Force took charge of guard duty from Sutlej Rangers.

Air Vice Marshal Syed Imran Majid Ali was the Chief Guest on the occasion who laid a floral wreath on the national poet's grave and offered fateha.

An impressive flag lowering ceremony was held at Wagah Border Lahore in connection with 23rd March which was attended by a large number of people.

Pakistan Rangers personnel in their traditional style lowered the flag.

Most of the people, especially children were dressed in green and white clothes in accordance with the celebrations of the 83rd Resolution Day of Pakistan.

Like other parts of the country Pakistan Day was celebrated throughout Balochistan including the provincial metropolis Quetta with national zeal and zest. In this connection various functions and sports events were held in all districts of the province to highlight the importance of 23rd March. An investiture ceremony was held at Governor House in Quetta, Governor Balochistan Malik Abdul Wali Kakar conferred awards to personalities for their outstanding contribution in different fields.

Youm-e- Pakistan was celebrated in Gilgit Baltistan with traditional zeal and forver.

Ceremonies were held in all districts of three divisions of the province where speakers paid tributes to the leaders of the Pakistan movement. Special prayers were also offered for solidarity, integrity and development of the country .

In Gilgit , the flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Bhab-e-Gilgit , entrance point in Jutial Gilgit in the morning. A contingent of Pak Army presented a guard of honor on the occasion.

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have felicitated the entire nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day and expressed confidence that Pakistan has the ability to overcome the challenges it face by adhering to the golden principle of  unity, faith, and discipline.

In his message on Pakistan Day, the President said despite the challenges, Pakistan made tremendous achievements in every field through continuous hard work and ability.

Dr Arif Alvi said the persecution of minorities, especially the Muslims in India and violence against Muslims, violation of human rights, and brutalities being committed by the Indian security forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir prove that the Muslim leadership of that time made a prudent decision.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is destined to achieve great heights and for this to become a reality, we have to forge unity in our ranks, equip ourselves with national purpose and vow to wage a struggle in line with the legacy of our forefathers.

The prime minister said that the 23rd of March was an epoch-making day in their national history that invite them to ponder over the present state of affairs, and inspire them to build a prosperous future.