Female soldiers march during a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day in Islamabad on Saturday. AP

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

The Pakistan Day celebrations were held on Saturday with the iconic military parade in Islamabad remaining the most significant feature where the armed forces’ contingents and other security forces conducted a march past while fighter planes presented aerobatic manoeuvres.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman Al Saud was the guest of honour in the parade while the contingents of China and Azerbaijan also featured in it. President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and all the services chiefs were present at the occasion.

The Day marked the adoption of the historic Lahore Resolution on this day in 1940 which provided a framework for the realisation of the goal of a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia.

Addressing the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari said March 23 holds national importance, as Muslims of the subcontinent demanded a separate nation for themselves. He welcomed Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence Prince Khalid, Shahbaz Sharif, members of Parliament, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and Parade commander.

President Asif Ali Zardari inspects a guard of honour during Pakistan's Day parade in Islamabad. AFP

Zardari emphatically stated that Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty. “Today, we pay homage to leaders, martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed their lives for independence,” said the president, adding that the Pakistani nation, from its independence till today, has gone through ups and downs.

“Despite the difficulties, we developed in different areas including defence, agriculture, education, health, and technology in provinces,” said the head of state. Speaking about the issues being faced by Pakistan, Zardari said the country is facing economic, social and political challenges, as well as increasing population, climate change, education and poverty.

He added that Pakistan went through a successful electoral phase to elect a democratic government, adding that it was now everyone’s responsibility to solve these issues together.

“I believe that just like we faced the challenges in the past, we can still rid Pakistan of these challenges. A special investment facilitation council has been set up for the country’s economy. Through this plan, we will be developing foreign investment, agriculture, livestock, minerals, mining, information technology and the energy sector,” he said.

Female soldiers march during a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day in Islamabad. AP

“I request all political parties to keep aside their political benefits to find a solution to the problems and work together for the development of Pakistan,” said President Zardari.

“With regards to human catastrophes unfolding in Gaza, we appeal to the international community to take measures to ensure that the killing of innocent Palestinian people including children and women is immediately halted, a ceasefire is announced and a humanitarian corridor is opened at priority. Pakistan will continue to support the people of Palestine till the resolution of Palestine issued as per the aspirations of their people.”

The president, on the occasion, thanked UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other countries for standing with Pakistan in hard times.

The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the chiefs of the three armed services have extended their congratulations to the nation on Pakistan Day.

Troops march during a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day in Islamabad. AP

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the chiefs of the armed forces have conveyed a message stating, “As the nation celebrates and enjoys the independence and comfort in a free land, the Armed Forces pledge to protect the homeland, defend the sovereignty of the state, and ensure regional security. The flag will be kept high at every cost.”

In a special message on the occasion of Pakistan Day, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) founding Chairman Imran Khan, who was unjustly incarcerated in Adiala Jail, “Today we commemorate the Resolution for the founding of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent — our beloved homeland Pakistan.”

He vowed: “On Pakistan Day, we reiterate our commitments to transform Pakistan into a democratic welfare state in the light of the visions and decrees of the founders of Pakistan.”