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According to The Nation, Pakistan is celebrating the 82nd Pakistan Day across the country with great national spirit and enthusiasm.

The day is observed to commemorate the passage of the historic Lahore Resolution 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 a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajar prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country.

The main feature of the day is the grand military parade in Islamabad, where contingents of the three armed forces and other security forces are conducting the march past while fighter planes will present aerobatic maneuvers.

The march of different floats depicting various aspects of culture of different provinces is also part of the parade, Radio Pakistan reported.

The dignitaries participating in the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation are also witnessing the Pakistan Day Parade as Guests of Honor.

President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other guests are among the attendees.

President Arif Alvi, in his address on the occasion, said Pakistan was a responsible atomic power that desired peace with all countries. He also stated that the country would never compromise on its security and sovereignty and would give a fitting response to any aggression.

In his message to the nation, Prime Minister Imran Khan said March 23 was the day for the nation to renew its commitment to adhere to the principles of justice and equity; the real objectives of the creation of Pakistan.

“Today, we pay tribute to the Father of the Nation and all the leaders of the Freedom Movement who struggled for uniting the nation through their unparalleled sacrifices. It is important for our youth to note that Pakistan came into being through a long democratic struggle and now the key to its stability and development also lies in hard work, honesty and morality.” “While commemorating this day, we need to adhere to the principles of unity, faith and discipline given by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and rededicate ourselves to develop Pakistan as a truly democratic welfare state on the model of Riyasat-e-Madina.”

Various organizations and departments have also planned a number of activities including seminars, conferences and discussion programs to highlight the historical significance of Pakistan Day.

This post was originally published on VOSA.