Pakistan Resolution Day & Nationwide Celebrations

Pakistan Resolution Day is an extremely significant event in the history of South Asia. It reminds us of the day – 23rd March – when in 1940 the main leadership of Muslim nation gathered in Lahore under the All-India Muslim League banner, and passed a resolution that laid the groundwork for the creation of Pakistan. This day symbolizes the aspirations, struggles and achievements of our forefathers who rendered huge sacrifices for achieving the goal of Independence.
The Background
The early 20th century was a tumultuous period marked by political upheaval and social unrest. Muslims in the subcontinent had been facing marginalization and discrimination. They wanted equal treatment at par with Hindus whose disdain was obvious because of the centuries long Muslim rule over India. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was the first who realized that Muslims should have their identity as a separate nation. His theory of modern education and Aligarh Movement paved the way for a holistic political struggle. Allama Muhammad Iqbal was of the same view. In his 1930 Allahabad address, he gave the outline of a separate homeland consisting of Muslim majority areas. He also convinced Mohammad Ali Jinnah to come back from England and lead the Muslim nation. The Quaid came and pushed forward the same on lines of Allama Iqbal’s dream. During his political career, he sought to assert the Muslim nation’s identity and safeguard its rights. Pakistan Resolution emerged as a culmination of the years of struggle, political mobilization and sacrifices.

Pakistan Resolution
On March 22-24, 1940, the All-India Muslim League held its annual session at Minto Park (now Greater Iqbal Park) Lahore where our forefathers gathered to address the pressing issues faced by the Muslim nation. It was at this historic gathering that Pakistan Resolution was adopted. The resolution unanimously accepted the concept of a united homeland for Muslims and recommended the creation of an independent Muslim state. This resolution was a watershed moment in the struggle for Independence and self-determination. It triggered a decisive shift in political strategy, signaling the demand for a separate homeland where Muslims could live in freedom and dignity. The resolution galvanized the Muslim nation and laid the foundation for subsequent struggle for Independence.
Struggle for Independence
The period following 1940 witnessed intensified political struggle and mass mobilization, as the Quaid led from the front the movement and struggle for achieving the goal of a separate homeland. This struggle was marked by sacrifices, courage, and commitment. It is remembered every year ever since, on 23rd March. It is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of unity, freedom, and resilience that defined the struggle for Independence. It is not only a time to honor the sacrifices of our forefathers and pay tribute to the visionaries who led the movement for Pakistan’s creation, but also a moment of reflection, as we assess the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead in building a prosperous and inclusive nation.

Pakistan Came into Being
Finally, Pakistan came into being on August 14, 1947. Major credit goes to the 23rd March 1940 Lahore Resolution that gave a spur to the movement for Independence which led to the creation of Pakistan. 
    In order to commemorate this historic event, 23rd March is celebrated as “Pakistan Day”. The first constitution of Pakistan was also enforced on this day, declaring the country as Islamic Republic of Pakistan. 
National Holiday and Nationwide Celebrations
With an aim to widely celebrate the historic Pakistan Resolution, Pakistan government announced national holiday for 23rd March. Nationwide celebrations take place reflecting the fervor and passion of the nation. Cities get illuminated with lights and decorations on government buildings. The day dawns with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals. 
Minar-e-Pakistan
After the Independence, Pakistan government built a 60-meter-high monument called “Minar-e-Pakistan”, which symbolically manifests the historical importance of Pakistan Resolution. It was built on the same site where All India Muslim League passed Pakistan Resolution on 23rd March, 1940. Minar-e-Pakistan was built between 1960 and 1968. It is a blend of Mughal and modern architecture, designed by Nasreddin Murat Khan, and made by Husnain Sulehri. 
Pakistan Day Parade
Secondly, Pakistan government decided to annually hold the joint services parade to remember this day – 23rd March – in the most befitting manner. Main ceremony is usually held in Shakarparian Parade Ground, Islamabad. The parade is graced by the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as chief guest, and attended by the Prime Minister, members of cabinet, services chiefs, ambassadors, diplomats, celebrities, notables from all walks of life, and guests of honor from brotherly or friendly countries. The parade showcases unity, and resolve to serve and defend the country at all costs. 
    As a yearly routine, the joint services parade is broadcast live; so the whole country – children and adults alike – stick to their TV screens and watch the magnificent event. The parade is led by the parade commander, who is usually a Brigade Commander. The smartly turned out contingents hold impressive march past, commandos’ “Allah Hu” ignites flames of passion and patriotism in the hearts. The most anticipated event is the air show by Pakistan Air Force. The rumbling and thundering of mighty jets as they fly past over the heads raise the fervor manifolds. The “Sherdils” are much lauded and loved as they perform aerobatics. The aerobatics show is the living manifestation of competence and unmatched professional proficiency of our pilots. Performing various formations and drills, the show stopper is often JF-17 Thunder. The indigenously Pakistan-made aircraft is a legacy of state-of-the-art engineering. For a couple of years, international participants also take part in the air show with their fine aircrafts and professional aerobatics teams to show their support and friendship with Pakistan.
    Paratroopers take high jumps from a moving aircraft and land on their feet in front of the dice. Paratroopers from friendly countries also take part, and land with their respective flags showing solidarity with Pakistan. The parade is enriched with all sorts of small and heavy arms. The military capability and details for each weapon or missile series are explained by the commentators. 
    The march by women in uniform, boy scouts and girl guides is also an inspiring event. The floats in the march consist of the floats symbolizing unity and culture of our provinces and their contribution towards building the nation. The floats play their folk music along with cultural dresses, lok dances, traditional art and heritage on display. The Pakistan Army band and a cultural dance group with big drums steal the show. 
    Thus, this parade holds significance in the celebrations of Pakistan Day as it exhibits not just the readiness and might of military power, but also shows nation’s unity and resolve that tells loud and clear that we are a nation that is capable and ever ready to defend our country against all odds and challenges, adversaries and hostilities.
    So, the forceful slogan “Pakistan ka matlab kya? – La elaha illAllah” gave the Muslims of subcontinent a dream to materialize, a direction to follow and a path to move ahead. The idea of a new homeland was a dream seen with open eyes by millions of Muslims. The coming true of that dream is commemorated as Pakistan Resolution Day, which is celebrated with fervor, to keep the identity of this nation alive.
Pakistan Zindabad