Pakistan not part of ‘weapons race’ and won’t be: Mamnoon Hussain
ISLAMABAD – The nation is celebrating the 76th Pakistan Day on Wednesday with a renewed pledge to make the country stronger by eliminating terrorism and achieving sustainable economic growth and greater political stability. The day marks the Lahore Resolution passed in 1940 by the All India Muslim League which became the basis of establishing an independent state for Muslims of the sub-continent.
The day dawned with 31-gun salute at the federal capital and 21-gun salutes at the provincial capitals. It is a public holiday and national flag is hoisted at all major government and private buildings. Special prayers were offered after Fajr prayers for the security, progress and solidarity of the country.
The national flag will be hoisted on major government buildings.
President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest, who arrived at the venue in a horse drawn Buggi, escorted by traditional unit of President’s body guards. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif received the President at the Shakarparian Parade Venue. Present on the dais included, Defence Minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Vice Chief of Air Staff, representing Chief of Air Staff who was leading the PAF fly-past.
Personnel from all three services, Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force, are participating in the parade. A number of aircrafts belonging to the Army Aviation wing and Pakistan Air Force performed a fly-past and demonstrated aerobatic performances. Chinese Z-10 attack helicopters, HH-1 Cobra attack helicopters, Puma transport helicopters and Mi-17 transport helicopters were among the aircraft presented by the Army Aviation wing. Sherdils, JF-17 Thunder and No. 9 Squadron’s F-16 jets of the PAF also displayed aerobatic performances.
Foolproof security arrangements have been made to avoid any untoward incident, besides a special traffic plan for the day in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Mobile phone services have been suspended in the twin cities.
On the occasion of 76th Pakistan Day President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain said, ‘Pakistan not part of ‘weapons race’ and won’t be.’
Addressing the ceremony, President Mamnoon lauded Pakistan Army’s stance on fighting terrorism and their sacrifices in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Mamnoon Hussain did not leave Kashmir out of his speech. Pakistan would continue its support for freedom of Kashmiris, he added. President said that authorities want to utilize resources for the betterment of the people.
‘I pray to Almighty Allah to bless us with the spirit to sincerely serve our country so that we can take Pakistan to the heights of glory by following in the footprints of our great forefathers,’ President said.
Governors of all the four provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan as well as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will also bestow civilian awards on behalf of the president upon prominent personalities for their contributions in different fields.
Photo exhibitions were also arranged at the arts galleries in different cities depicting different aspects of Independence Movement and photographs of the founding fathers.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with Chief Minister Sindh arrived at Mazar-e-Quaid, Karachi to pay respects to the father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
