Nation united against all external, internal threats: President  

The nation is celebrating Pakistan Day today with traditional zeal and fervor.  President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed the national pledge to stand united against any external and internal threat, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

Addressing Pakistan Day Parade at Aiwan-e Sadr, Islamabad on Sunday, he said the people of Pakistan have always stood resolute alongside the armed forces to render any sacrifice for the motherland. The President said while India has always harbored ill-will towards Pakistan, Khawarij and other terrorist' outfits are also in action to achieve their evil designs. The President however vowed that none of them will be allowed to succeed as the nation and the armed forces are ready to thwart such elements. 

Asif Ali Zardari said we have been rebuilding our nation despite all challenges and will continue to do so with courage and determination. He laid special emphasis on strengthening economy and agriculture.The President called for setting aside political differences and joining hands for a powerful, prosperous and more developed Pakistan. 

Terming youth of the country an asset, Asif Ali Zardari underscored the need for equipping them with research-based education and latest technological training.

The President said Pakistan's foreign policy is based on principles of peace and stability. He said Pakistan is desirous of strong ties based on mutual respect and prosperity with its neighbors as well as international community.

The President said this day reminds us of the sacrifices of the people who laid their lives for the country.   

He said on this day, we also remember and present our salute to the oppressed people of Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and urge the international community to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions for resolving the Kashmir dispute.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine, Asif Ali Zardari called upon the international community to take decisive action to immediately stop genocide of innocent Palestinians. He said Palestinian people should have the right to live in their country with freedom and dignity without any external interference.   

It was on this day back on March 23, 1940 that a resolution was presented at Minar-e-Pakistan, calling for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent.  The day dawned in Islamabad with a 21-gun salute.  

A parade ceremony took place at the President’s House in which contingents from the armed forces fully participated. President Asif Ali Zardari was the chief guest on the occasion, while ambassadors of other countries were also in attendance. The spectacular Pakistan Day Military parade ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadar, Islamabad on Sunday. The ceremony formally began with the national anthem. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, services chiefs and other dignitaries attended the ceremony. Fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force presented fly past at the ceremony. 

Similarly, the change of guards’ ceremony took place at the mausoleum of the Father of the National Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi.  Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, provincial Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah paid their respects at the mausoleum. 

Strict security arrangements were put in place in and around the mausoleum on the occasion. Likewise, the change of guard ceremony also took place at the mausoleum of Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who had conceived the idea of a separate country for the Muslims of the sub-continent, in Lahore.  Air Vice Marshal Akhtar Imran Sadozai was the chief guest on the occasion.