Islamabad to host Pakistan Day parade today after seven years

Pakistanis will celebrate Pakistan Day on Monday.

To mark the occasion, personnel from the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force will participate in a parade. The parade is being held for the first time after seven years. It was last held in 2008, and was stopped thereafter for security concerns.

Monday's parade will include a march-past, a display of weapons, an aerial show and a cultural show.

The decision to resume the parade has reportedly been motivated by a desire to end the climate of fear that has prevailed over the nation because of repeated attacks by terror outfits, including the Taliban.

This year's event will take place at the new Parade Ground in Islamabad, specially built near the scenic Shakarparian, reports the Dawn.

In the past, the parade was held on Parade Avenue in front of Parliament House and before that, at the Race Course in Rawalpindi.

The event is held to commemorate the Pakistan Resolution, also known as the Lahore Resolution, which was introduced at a Muslim League convention in Lahore on March 23, 1940 and passed the following day.

The parade is held to remind the people of the ideals for which Pakistan was created.

In his message to the nation on the eve of Pakistan Day, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said anti-state elements were out to threaten not only the lives of Pakistanis but also the very fabric of the Pakistani nation.

"The people have stood up to the challenge and resolved never to give in.

"Pakistan is resolved to redeem its pledge given to its founding fathers that it will protect the homeland. We are also committed to preserve and ensure freedom, equality and social justice as core values of our polity as desired by our enlightened forbears," the PM said in his message.

The PM said that the independence struggle witnessed countless vicissitudes, but the Quaid (Pakistan's Founding Father Mohammad Ali Jinnah) never flinched from his avowed objective.

"The firm commitment of the Quaid, wholeheartedly backed by the Muslim nation, ultimately succeeded in carving out an independent homeland. The Quaid bequeathed to his people the promised land with the exhortation to preserve and protect it for future generations," he said.

In his message to the nation, President Mamnoon Hussain said that on the historic occasion of Pakistan Day, all citizens should renew their resolve to bring the country to the forefront of the comity of nations.

The president said the country was confronted with formidable threats and challenges. Women and children, civilians and soldiers alike, had been targeted by terrorists and extremists. "Our schools and our places of worship have been attacked," he said in his message.

"This day brings us together to remind us of the great struggle and commitment that accomplished the state of Pakistan. We must forget our differences and reclaim our country. A country where there is harmony and tolerance, education and prosperity, and people can live in peace and continue to strive towards success," he said.