Nation is celebrating Pakistan Day today with a commitment to ensure progress, prosperity and a strong defense of the country.    

The day is observed to commemorate the passage of historic Lahore Resolution on 23rd March in 1940, under which Muslims of the sub-continent set the agenda of a separate homeland for themselves.

The day dawned with thirty-one-gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one-gun salute in provincial capitals.  

Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajar prayers for progress and prosperity of the country. 

The spectacular and colorful Pakistan Day Military parade was held at Parade Avenue in Islamabad today with three wings of the armed forces displaying their professionalism and military prowess. 

The impressive ceremony kicked off with the fly past of fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy led by Air Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar presenting salute to the chief guest President Dr. Arif Alvi.

Formations of fighter jets including J-10C, F-16, Mirage and P-3C participated in the fly past.

Contingents of Pakistan Army, Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Special Services Groups, Frontier Corps, Rangers, Islamabad police marched past the dais presenting salute to the chief guest.

Participants of the OIC-CFM including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were special guests of the Pakistan Day parade.

Theme of this year Pakistan Day is "Shaad Rahy Pakistan".