The 72nd National Day of Pakistan was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm here Friday. Special prayers for solidarity, development and prosperity of Pakistan were offered on the occasion. Friday being a holiday, members of the Pakistani community attended the functions organized in the morning. March 23 is celebrated every year to commemorate the adoption of Pakistan Resolution by the All India Muslim League in 1940 at Lahore's Minto Park (now Iqbal Park). The resolution demanded a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent. The Lahore Resolution proved to be a successful culmination of the long struggle by the Muslims of the subcontinent for their emancipation from British colonial rule. It took about seven years after the Pakistan Resolution to give final shape to the new state of Pakistan, which has been described by the historians as a unique and unparalleled event in the history of the contemporary world. President Asif Ali Zaradri said in his message: “Let us also resolve that we will uphold the Constitution and never allow it to be abrogated, subverted or held in abeyance. It is also important to uphold the independence of judiciary in accordance with the Constitution.” In his message on the occasion Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said: “March 23 is not only a day of celebration but also an opportunity to reiterate our pledge to keep working hard for the attainment of the objectives contained in the Pakistan Resolution. On this auspicious occasion, we pledge to uphold the supremacy of democracy and rule of law at every cost. We need to strengthen the principles of mutual tolerance, brotherhood and reconciliation to foster unity in our ranks. We have to strengthen our national security and independence in accordance with our national aspirations. The Day demands of us to revive the spirit of Pakistan Movement in its entirety.” A number of functions and social events were organized in the evening.
