Pakistan Day Celebrated with Great Zeal, Renewed Pledge        
By Sarah Kamal 'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: The 67th Pakistan Day was celebrated on Friday in all-over the country and by Pakistanis living overseas – reiterating the pledge to play greater role for the development of the country in accordance with the ideas of Quaid-i- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The major event of the Day was the magnificent joint services parade at Jinnah Sports Complex.

With gun-salute heralding the historic Day in the capital city of Islamabad as well as the provincial metropolis of Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta, the day dawned with special prayers in mosques and other sites of worship for the solidarity, peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

People also prayed for global peace with the peaceful solution of global issues – being faced by the Islamic world. Prayers were also offered for the liberation of India-held part of the Himalayan State of Jammu & Kashmir as well as the occupied territories in the Middle East with Palestine atop.

Reports by 'Pakistan Times’ Bureaus say that Pakistan Day was celebrated on Friday with unique dedication to mark the passage of Lahore resolution that led to the creation of a separate homeland for the South Asian Muslims in 1947.

Homage to the Quaid

'Pakistan Times' Sindh Bureau adds from Karachi; Sindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim, accompanied by the provincial cabinet members, Friday paid visit to the mausoleum of Quaid-e-AzamMuhammad Ali Jinnah, laid floral wreath and offered Fateha on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

The day dawned with 21-gun salutes at the provincial capital. Following the early morning (Fajar) prayers.

City Nazim Mustafa Kamal, representatives of three armed forces and other officials were also present.

Governor Ibad recorded his comments in the visitors` book and later talking to media said," We should renew our pledge and resolve to follow the principles of father of nation."

"When the Pakistan has emerged as an important force on the world map, more responsibilities lie on us to face the challenges. It needs unity and hard work to maintain this status," he concluded.

Allama Iqbal Mausoleum

And in Lahore, Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool and other dignitaries visited the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, to pay homage to the poet philosopher who conceived the idea of the establishment of Pakistan.

They placed floral wreath on the grave of the great poet and offer fateha.

It was a public holiday on Friday. Various political, cultural, social and other organizations chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the Day in a befitting manner.

Television networks and Radio Pakistan aired special programmes to highlight the significance of Pakistan Day and various aspects of the life and work of Founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other leading personalities.

Print and online newspapers published special supplements on the occasion. Besides, the centre piece of the programmes of the Pakistan Day was the grand convention, organized by PML in connection with its centenary celebrations.

Universities had also tailored programme to celebrate the day in a befitting manner that included a series of seminars to be held at different departments including Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) .

Azad Kashmir

Like other parts of the country the 67th Pakistan resolution Day was celebrated in Azad Jammu & Kashmir with national spirit, enthusiasm and pledges to continue struggle till the liberation of occupied Kashmir and whole accession of the state with Pakistan.

The Pakistan Resolution day, the 23rd of March was also celebrated by the Kashmiri people in AJK to express solidarity with the people of Pakistan and renew their pledge to continue struggling for the freedom of occupied Jammu and Kashmir from Indian subjugation and state’s accession to Pakistan for which the Kashmiri people have been making tremendous sacrifices for the last 60 years.

Special prayers following the ‘Fajr’ prayer were offered in all the mosques of AJK for the stability, solidarity and progress of Pakistan and early freedom of occupied Jammu & Kashmir territory from the Indian yoke.

The special ‘Quraan Khawani’ was also be held in connection with the day as the Day dawned with the 21-gun salute in the state capital Muzaffarabad.

The flags of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir were hoisted at atop at all the important official buildings.

There was closed holiday on March 23 in AJK.

Special functions and declamation contest were held in the various educational institutions in which the speakers will throw light on the significance of the day.

Exhibition

In Karachi, National Museum of Pakistan held a special exhibition in connection with Pakistan Day on March 23.

Rare documents in original letters, pamphlets and photographs of freedom fighters were put on display in the exhibition for public view.

The exhibits on display included: Unique Letter of Central Khilafat committee, dated September 5, 1926, Bombay.

Letter of Central Khilafat Committee dated May, 13, 1926. Notice regarding meeting of All India Muslim League, Daryagunj, Delhi, dated July 12, 1946.

Role of National Guards, All India Muslim League. An appeal by various eminent people in favor of Liquat Ali Khan in the election 1946.

An appeal of Allama Shabbir Ahmed Usmani to Muslims of India to participate in Calcutta Session, 18th April, 1938.

Three tickets bought by Liaquat Ali Khan to Participate in Calcutta session April, 18.

A Letter of Raja Mahmudabad to Nawab Wiqar-ul-Mulk. Notice of meeting of All India Muslim League byLiquat Ali Khan,April 1.1943.

Message of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his close associate Quid-e-Millat Khan Liaquat Ali Khan for all India Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam.

Booklet on the constitution and rules of the All india muslim league 1943, 1942, 1941 Resolutions of All India Muslim League from December, 1938 to March, 1940.

Presidential address by Khan Bahadur Shaikh Abdul Qadir, Delhi, 1926.

The Constitution and Rules of the all India Muslim League 1937. The exhibition will remain opened for public till April 5.

Overseas

Pakistan Day was also celebrated with grand and grandiose zeal and zest by the overseas Pakistanis – living in diverse vicinities of the world.

The Pakistani missions also arranged special functions to mark the great day in a befitting manner. While reports from other countries are pouring in – Foreign Correspondents of Pakistan’s first ISSN-certified independent daily E-newspaper, ‘Pakistan Times’ – have filed stories which are being listed herein.

UK

Raza Mumtaz 'Pakistan Times' Executive Editor/UK Bureau Chief reports from London; An impressive flag hoisting ceremony to mark the 67th national day of Pakistan was held at the premises of Pakistan High Commission here on Thursday.

Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr.Maleeha Lodhi raised the flag in presence of a large number of Pakistan community and staff of the High Commission.

The proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. The High Commissioner after hoisting the flag read the messages of President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

On this occasion, six members of the Pakistani community were presented with awards of recognition for their services to the community and their respective profession.

Those who received the awards were businessman Muhammad Ali Khan, veteran journalist Ali Kiani, Dr Peter David, President, Pak UK Christian Association, social reformer Rafiq Ahmad Chohan, educationist and social activist Adeela Shafiq and UK leading cardiologist Dr.Shakeel Qureshi.

The High Commissioner also felicitated Naval Attache Commodore Kamran Khan for being a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Miltary) in the Pakistan Day honours list.

‘Dua’ was also offered by the participants for the prosperity, development and solidarity of the country.

Children of the Embassy staff rendered national songs at the conclusion.

China

Ruth Chen 'Pakistan Times' Foreign Correspondent reports from Beijing; An Impressive flag hoisting ceremony performed by Ambassador Salman Bashir was held at Pakistan Embassy to mark the 67th Pakistan Day celebration here on Friday.

The Ambassador after performing the flag hoisting ceremony, read the messages of President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Officials of Pakistan embassy, their families, Pakistani community living in Beijing and other distinguished guests attended the ceremony in large number.

The national anthem was also played on the occasion. A group of students of Pakistan Embassy College sang national songs which were highly appreciated by the participants.

Later, talking to media, Ambassador Salman Bashir said that this is a special occasion because this year Pakistan celebrates 60th anniversary of its independence.

He said that it is incumbent on all of us in China to do our very best to keep the flag flying high.

The Ambassador and his wife have also arranged a reception to celebrate Pakistan Day.

Iran

Laiylla Sherazi 'Pakistan Times' Foreign Correspondent reports from Tehran; Pakistan Day was celebrated by the Pakistani community here Friday, at an impressive ceremony held at the Pakistan International School to mark the occasion.

The function commenced with the hoisting of flag by Charge d’ Affaires, Zaheer Pervaiz Khan to the accompaniment of national anthem.

The Charge d’ Affairs read out the messages of President General Pervez General Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Addressing the Pakistani community, he highlighted the significance of the day and paid homage to the founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the leaders of Pakistan movement.

The students of Pakistan International School in their speeches paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the leaders of freedom struggle. A group of children presented national songs.

The function was attended by a large number of Pakistani community, officials of the Mission and ECO Secretariat and students and teachers of the Pakistan International School, Tehran.

On this occasion, the Iranian television (IRIB) telecast Ambassador Shafkat Saeed’s message interspersed with visuals from a documentary “Welcome to Pakistan” highlighting cultural heritage and tourism of Pakistan.

In a separate interview with the Iranian television, Ambassador Shafkat Saeed referring to Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations said that relations between Pakistan and Iran are based on shared faith, religion, culture, history and common heritage.

Both countries share common perception on many regional and international issues. He said that IPI Gas pipeline project will further expand economic ties between the two countries.

Iranian English newspapers Iran News, Kayhan International, Tehran Times and Persian dailies Ebtekar and Hambastegi prominently published an article on Pakistan Day along with photographs of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Minar-e-Pakistan.

The article focused on the significance of Pakistan Day and Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations.

Turkey

And, Tabinda al-Ghazala 'Pakistan Times' Foreign Correspondent adds from Ankara; Pakistan Day was celebrated with national fervor and enthusiasm in Pakistan Embassy (Mission) Ankara.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey Lt. General (Retd) Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah was the chief guest at the ceremony, attended by a large number of Pakistani community and Turkish people.

Pakistan Ambassador speaking on the occasion said there was a need to work hard and make collective efforts to transform Pakistan into a modern, progressive and tolerant society.

He said, “Like every year today we pledge to put our heart and soul together to make Pakistan a strong and stable nation”.

He however underlined the need that each one must carry out self- evaluation. “This would set our direction right and energies preserved for the country’s future development.”

Iftikhar Hussain Shah said that every Pakistani living in Turkey was the Ambassador of Pakistan and it was obligatory on each of them to work for the strength and prosperity of this land.

“Their good conduct with the local people will boost the image of Pakistan and their misconduct will bring a bad name to our beloved country.”

He termed them to be extremely lucky expatriates, as Turkish people were full of love and affection for Pakistan.

He said that presence of Chiefs of all Turkish Forces and their Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and Agriculture Minister Mehdi Eker in Pakistan’s National Day reception was the true manifestation of Turkish love for Pakistan.

He urged that members of Pakistan’s community who were residing in Turkey must work together with their Turkish brethren to transform these close relations into economic relations.

Earlier the Ambassador of Pakistan unfurled the flag and read out the messages of President and Prime Minister issued on the occasion.

New York

Sonita Taylor 'Pakistan Times' UN Special Correspondent adds from New York; Heads of diplomatic Missions in New York, senior U.N. officials, academics and journalists as well as Pakistanis living here attended a Pakistan Day reception on Thursday evening.

Hosted jointly by U.N. Ambassador Munir Akram and Consul-General Mohsin Razi, more than 200 people attended the reception held in the Pakistan House, which houses the mission accredited to the U.N. and the consulate.

Geneva

Our Special Correspondent Tariq Bashir Rao reports from Geneva; The 67th anniversary of Pakistan Day was celebrated here at the Pakistan Permanent Mission in a simple but dignified ceremony.

After the flag hoisting held at the Chancery, Ms Tehmina Janjua, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva, read out messages from the President and the Prime Minister on the auspicious occasion.

Recalling the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Acting Permanent Representative highlighted the milestones the nation had crossed since independence, particularly during the last six years.

Ms Janjua urged the gathering to continue working tirelessly for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Officers and officials from the Permanent Missions of Pakistan accredited to the UN and other International Organizations as well as to the World Trade Organization had gathered to mark the occasion.

To mark the National Day, the Mission also organized a reception in the evening. The invitees include Ambassadors, Heads of UN organizations and specialized agencies, diplomats, senior officials and members of the Pakistani community.

New Delhi

Flag hoisting, presenting of national songs and speech contest marked Pakistan Day ceremony held at Pakistan High Commission here on Friday.

Shahid Malik, Pakistan High commissioner hoisted the flag. Besides playing of national song, messages of President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz were read out on the occasion.

Attired in colourful and traditional dresses, children of Pakistan High Commission School presented national songs and tableau shows.

They also participated in speech contest highlighting the importance of the day in context of struggle for creation of Pakistan. Prizes and sweets were distributed among the children.

Diplomats and officials and their family members attended this graceful ceremony.

Manila

Wahyu Muryadi 'Pakistan Times' Foreign Correspondent says; Like other parts of the world the Pakistani community celebrated the 67th Pakistan day in Manila.

On the occasion a flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Manila, which was attended by the officials of the Mission and members of Pakistan community belonging to various walks of life.

The Charge d’Affaires Zahoor Ahmed in Manila read out the messages of the President Pervez Musharraf and the Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at the ceremony.

In his address Zahoor Ahmed said that Pakistan and Philippines are enjoying friendly ties adding, in line with its vision East Asia policy, Pakistan is striving to further strengthen the existing relation.

He said Pakistan and the Philippines share a common perspective on major international issues.

Pakistan is also focusing on enhancing the economic and trade relationship with the Philippines and improving people to people contacts between the two countries.

The largest circulation daily in the Philippines “Manila Bulletin” published a special supplement on Pakistan National Day.

The supplement carried articles on Pakistan as a tourist destination and as an attractive investment proposition.

Japan

Francis Deron 'Pakistan Times' Foreign Correspondent reports from Tokyo; Overseas Pakistanis in Japan celebrated Pakistan day with traditional enthusiasm and renewed their pledge to make Pakistan a prosperous and strong country.

Special prayers were offered for the prosperity and well-being of the nation and the country, said a press release here Friday.

Pakistani Ambassador in Japan Kamran Niaz, in a ceremony held in connection with the day read out messages of the President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

A number of Pakistanis living in Tokyo and its suburbs turned up to attended the ceremony.

In his National Day message the Ambassador said, “We commemorate 23rd March every year to pledge continued efforts to make Pakistan a progressive and prosperous state as envisioned by its Founding Fathers.”

He expressed his gratitude to Japan government for its prominent role as a beneficent development partner of Pakistan.

Niaz said Pakistan is today a country determinedly moving on the path of progress and development. Reforms have been successfully introduced in all sectors and are being implemented with due diligence.

Despite many difficulties and diverse challenges, Pakistan has in the recent years succeeded in achieving an economic turnaround. “Our economic growth rate is among the best in Asia,” he added.

Pakistan is a front-line state in the fight against terrorism and extremism. “Our commitment in this regard is evident from the heavy cost in blood and treasure that we have paid in this struggle.”

“Pakistan is also sincerely playing its part to bring to a permanent end the era of hostility and mistrust in South Asia and to usher in durable peace and stability in the region.

President of Pakistan has conferred on Mrs. Masami Hasegawa, Sitara-i-Khidmat and on Professor Hiroshi Kagaya the award of Sitara-i-Quaid-e-Azam for their outstanding services.

Ambassador Kamran Niaz, on behalf of the President of Pakistan, handed over these awards to Mrs. Masami Hasegawa and Professor Hiroshi Kagaya at a ceremony held on Pakistan Day here at the Embassy of Pakistan. A number of Japanese attended the ceremony.

Mrs. Masami Hasegawa, a Japanese national has made an outstanding contribution towards promoting education and mountaineering in Pakistan. In October 1991, her husband, Tsuneo Hasegawa died in an avalanche while on an expedition to Mount Ultar in Hunza.

iven her husband’s love for mountaineering and his affection for the Pakistani mountains, Mrs. Hasegawa built a School in Karimabad, Hunza in 1996. The school was upgraded as

the ‘Hasegawa Memorial College’ in 2005, with separate pre-medical and pre-engineering faculties. Today around 550 students are studying at the Hasegawa Memorial College.

In recognition of her outstanding services to Pakistan in the fields of Education and Mountaineering, the President of Pakistan conferred on Mrs. Masami Hasegawa the award of Sitara-i-Khidmat.

Hiroshi Kagaya is a Professor Emeritus of Osaka University of Foreign Studies in Japan. He joined the Osaka University in April 1961 and taught Urdu and Persian to Japanese students.

He also taught Islamic studies, especially Islamic culture in South Asia, wrote many articles on the Pakistan Movement and translated some Pakistani books into Japanese.

In 1973, he joined the University Oriental College, University of the Punjab, Lahore to teach Japanese language to Pakistani students.

During his stay in Lahore he wrote an article on Iqbaliyat entitled ‘Iqbal Ek Japani Ki Nazar Main, in Urdu which was published from the Oriental College. He wrote a history of South Asia, especially of Pakistan in 1977.

This work of Professor Kagaya is regarded as one of the best and basic books on Pakistan studies in Japan. He also translated Shah Waliullah’s poetry into Japanese.

After his retirement from service in 1996, Prof. Kagaya has worked for several private universities, such as the Kansai University of Foreign Studies and the Ottemon University.

One of the most valuable contributions of Prof. Kagaya to Urdu is his Urdu-Japanese Dictionary, which covers 45,500 words and proverbs.

In recognition of his outstanding services to Pakistan in the field of Education, the President of Pakistan was pleased to confer on Prof. Hiroshi Kagaya the award of Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam.

Dhaka

Our Correspondent ABM Nafeezur Rehman adds from Dhaka; Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh, celebrates the 67th National Day through simplest but solemn programme.

The programme of the day starts with the flag-hoisting ceremony in the High Commission compound.

The ceremony was started with the recitation from the Holy Quran followed by its Urdu version.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Bangladesh Alamgir Babar hoisted the national flag, while the national anthem of Pakistan was being played.

He readout the messages of President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on the occasion of the National Day.

In his brief address, the High Commissioner recalled the historical obligation that led the Muslims under the unique leadership of Quaid-e-Azam to seek for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent through Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1947.

He said, we are to go ahead adhering to the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam “ Unity, Faith & Discipline”. He said, we are to remain united to develop our country created by our forefathers.

The programme was ended entertaining the attending Pakistanis and other guests with refreshment.

A good number of Pakistani nationals, including women and children, living in Dhaka attended the programme.

Later in the evening Pakistan High Commission holds a reception at “Hotel Radisson” in Dhaka. It is hoped that most of the dignified personalities of Dhaka, including foreign diplomats, will attend the reception.

About 15 leading English and Bengali dailies of Dhaka published special supplements on the occasion of marking the 67th National Day of Pakistan.

Vietnam

And a story from Hanoi says; The 67th Anniversary of Pakistan Day was celebrated by Pakistan Mission in Hanoi with traditional zeal and enthusiasm.

An impressive reception was organized at the Embassy Compound, in which a gathering of more than 200 Vietnamese guests participated.

Madam Lc Thi Thu, Minister and Chairperson of the Commission of Family and Population was chief guest on the occasion.

Madam Lc Thi Thu appreciating the current level of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Vietnam emphasized for the need to take further concrete steps for consolidation of existing friendly relations.

She suggested to celebrate 35th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries falling this year in a befitting manner.

Ambassador Habib-ur-Rahman performed Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the Chancery in the morning.

The Ambassador in his remarks highlighted the achievements of the government in general and recent successes in the bilateral relations of the two countries particularly 36% increase in the two way trade volume.

Besides participation of limited Pakistan community in the reception, a large number of Vietnamese dignitaries, heads of different departments of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade, Vietnam News Agency, local media including Vietnam Television Corporation also attend the reception.

The Vietnamese media gave wide publicity to the economic development and cultural heritage of Pakistan. A number of interviews of the Ambassador were published in local press.

A documentary on Pakistan, clippings of important events including the visits by the Presidents of both the countries and speech by the Ambassador on the occasion were broadcast on Vietnam radio and television.●