LAHORE - For the first time in the history of Punjab, a cluster of various events was organised in the provincial metropolis to mark the festivities of Pakistan Day here on Monday.
A colourful armament display at all roads leading to Ayub stadium was of one of the main festivities of the day that was held to mark Pakistan Day, March 23rd. The main exhibition was held at Ayub Stadium at Burki road which was inaugurated by General Officer Commanding Major General Fida Hussain Malik.
The day dawned with 21 gun salute. Quran Khawani and special prayers were offered for the stability, integration and sovereignty and solidarity of the country in Garrison mosques after morning prayers.
National flag was hoisted on all the important buildings and formation headquarters. Pakistan Army, purely in a professional way, displayed arms and equipment at Ayub Stadium.
A large number of people belonging to all walks of life including students, artists, common folk, women and children kept on pouring throughout the day and evinced keen interest in the arsenal used by Armed Forces to defend territorial integrity of the country.
The young officers at the stalls of Infantry, Armour, Artillery, Air Defence, Engineers, Signals,  Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Army Selection & Recruitment Centre and Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) briefed the inquisitive visitors, who not only felt reassured but left with even greater pride in the defence capability and resolve of their armed forces to defend their motherland.
The second major event was held at Liberty roundabout where Azam-e-Pakistan parade was held to mark the day. The parade started at 2:30pm which continued till the evening. The two-way road leading to Siddique Trade Centre from Liberty Roundabout and all the adjoining roads had been decorated with flowers, banners and smalls flags.
The participants, who were thousands in numbers, attended the parade event at Liberty and celebrated with full fervour and zeal. Musicians presented wonderful music for the amusement of the visitors while a number of vehicles decorated with flags and colourful buntings provided not only a good view but helped the visitors go from one place to other observe the event.
Rafi Peer Theatre performed a puppet show and over 40 brass and pipe bands also participated in the parade. Artists and singers including Ali Azmat, Jawad Ahmed performed and entertained the participants.
The show of vintage cars, heavy bikes and street bikes was also showcased in front of citizens. City District Government Lahore (CDGL) was the main organiser of the event.
Folk dances, show of dancing horses and other animals from Lahore Zoo, and jokers and jugglers provided a great view to the visitors.
Later, a number of memorable fireworks were observed at midnight.
However, the city witnessed traffic mess at different places, owing to the high security arrangements.
Meanwhile, fFormer justice of Supreme Court Fazal Karim has termed Pakistan as a divine gift for Muslims of the sub-continent.
“Had the homeland not been created, Muslims would have been slaves of Hindus,” Fazal said while addressing a ceremony held to celebrate Pakistan Day at Tech Society Club on Monday.
Known politician Syed Fakhar Imam, analyst Qayyum Nizam, Dr Muhammad Sadiq and Tech Society president Manzoor Sheikh also spoke on the occasion.
Justice Fazal said that he passed the matriculation examination at the time of Pakistan’s creation in 1947. “I belong to Jehlum and there was not a single shop owned by Muslims in the whole city before 1947,” he unfolded the pages of history.
Muslims were illiterate and poor and their property was pledged with rich Hindus, he remembered.
After the creation of Pakistan, Muslims entered into the business and become rich and affluent in matter of days, he added.
Fakhar Imam said that we must prefer national interests over personal interests. “No nation in the world can progress without investing on the education and promotion of hard work in youth,” he added.
Qayyum Nizami, former state minister, said that Pakistan’s existence would have been impossible if Lahore Resolution were not passed on 23rd March, 1940.
Students presented national anthem and national song on the occasion. Manzoor Sheikh thanked the guest speakers.