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The 74th Pakistan Day was observed across the country with enthusiasm and tradition fervor on Sunday in connection with the memory of historic "Pakistan Resolution" which was passed on March 23, 1940 laying the foundation for a new homeland.
On March 23, 1940, the historic Pakistan Resolution was adopted in the eastern city of Lahore, which led to creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent.
The day started with special prayers for progress and prosperity of the country in mosques and other worship places followed by the 31-gun salute in the federal capital of Islamabad and 21 gun salute in all the four provincial capitals, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar.
The national flag was hoisted at all the important public and private buildings across the country.
The main ceremony marking Pakistan Day celebrations was held at the President House in Islamabad that was attended by the President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, chiefs of all the three armed forces, foreign diplomats, ministers and politicians.
The President and Prime Minister hoisted the national flag to mark the beginning of the auspicious event.
A smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Armed Forces, including Army, Navy and Air Force, presented the guard of honour followed by the march-past held by the contingent of armed services.
A fleet of 12 fighter jets including the JF-17 Thunder, indigenously designed fighter jet with assistance of China, and nine helicopters from the Pakistan Air Force performed a fly-past over the President House.
President Hussain, on the occasion, said the commemoration of Pakistan Day each year is an occasion to reiterate our pledge towards those ideals that led to the creation of our beloved homeland.
"It is an occasion to pay tribute to our great leaders who withstood all adversities but remained steadfast in their mission to secure a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent, " said Hussain.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif urged the nation to truly follow the guiding principles of Founding Father of Pakistan - unity, faith and discipline - and transform the country into a strong democratic state to face the global challenges.
"Pakistan Resolution was a milestone in the history because it gave a clear objective to the Muslims of the Indian Sub-continent and united them for the attainment of a shared goal," said Sharif.
A special award distribution ceremony was held in the president house where as many as 105 notables including some from abroad was conferred Pakistan Civil Award in recognition of their services they rendered in their respective fields for development of the country.
A number of processions, functions and ceremonies including cultural and sports festivals were arranged throughout the country to commemorate the day in a befitting manner.
