National heroes remembered as Pakistan Day celebrated

The nation celebrated Pakistan Day today with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic and welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The day is celebrated to commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution passed on 23rd March, 1940, which set the agenda of a separate homeland for Muslims of the Sub-Continent.

The day dawned with 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in provincial capitals.

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

On the occasion of Pakistan Day, President Asif Ali Zardari hoisted the national flag at Naudero House, Larkana. A smartly turned-out Sindh Police contingent presented a guard of honour as the national anthem was played. @BBhuttoZardari @FaryalTalpurPk & others were present ???????? pic.twitter.com/bpsGzNfycZ

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 23, 2026

Change of guards ceremonies were held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi and Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the National Flag in Lahore to mark the celebrations of Pakistan Day.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the National Flag in Lahore to mark the celebrations of Pakistan Day, 23rd March 2026. pic.twitter.com/PtAvajyZci

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) March 23, 2026

Last week, the government announced that it would not hold the usual Pakistan Day parade and other ceremonial events on March 23, in light of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the resulting austerity measures unveiled by the government.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی یوم پاکستان 23 مارچ کے موقع پر پرچم کشائی#PakistanDay#23rdMarch#LongLivePakistan @CMShehbaz pic.twitter.com/9bIO9Go8uo

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) March 23, 2026

President, PM pay tribute to martyrs, national heroes

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to the national heroes and to the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed for the creation and stability of Pakistan.

In their messages on Pakistan Day, they said undoubtedly, with the blessing of freedom, Pakistan stands as a testament to the wisdom, determination, perseverance, and sacrifices of our ancestors.

The President and Prime Minister said the entire nation stands resolute in upholding its proud traditions and remains ever ready to face any challenge.

The President in his message said that despite early challenges after independence, Pakistan made significant progress through determination and cooperation, including building strong institutions, enhancing defense capabilities, and combating terrorism.

Reaffirming Pakistan's resolve against security threats, he stressed that no group will be allowed to use foreign soil to act against the country.

The Prime Minister in his message said the government, has steered Pakistan's economy towards sustainable growth despite numerous challenges.

He said sustainable peace in South Asia is linked to the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue and Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to our brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu have also extended their heartfelt congratulations to the nation on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day.

In their messages, they said that 23rd of March 1940 stands out as a defining moment in our history as it crystallized our collective vision and set the course for the creation of an independent homeland.

They said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan, alongside our resilient people and law enforcement agencies, remain united and unwavering in our resolve to eradicate the threats to Pakistan's security.

Earlier, Sindh Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the Mazar-e-Quaid on the occasion of Pakistan Day. 

During the visit, they offered Fateha and paid rich tribute to the services and struggle of founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Talking to the media persons, Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that the Sindh Assembly was the first to pass the Pakistan Resolution. He said that the assembly which passed the resolution deserves prosperity for itself and its people, and that this is the true message of Pakistan Day.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized the need to follow Quaid-e-Azam’s principles for national development and highlighted the importance of educating the youth about Quaid's ideology.