PM Modi greets Pakistan on National Day
PM Narendra Modi greeted the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and wished the people of Pakistan on Twitter on Pakistan National Day. He asserted that India stays committed to resolving the bilateral issues, and build friendly relations with Pakistan in a terrorist and violence free atmosphere. Modi extended his wishes ahead of Pakistani investigators' visit to collect evidence related to the Pathankot attack.
The Pakistan National Day, also the Republic day of Pakistan is celebrated on 23 March of every year. The day commemorates the Pakistan Resolution, which was adopted on 23 March 1940, and also the adoption of the First Constitution of Pakistan. Pakistan's First Constitution came into force on 23 March 1956, marking its successful transition from a Dominion to the Islamic Republic.
On 23 March 2015, the joint military parade by Pakistan's armed forces on Pakistan National Day took place in Islamabad after seven years. The last show took place on 23 March 2008 after which it was discontinued due to security threats.
Pakistan, in a first, would mark its National Day with a concert at the prestigious United Nations General Assembly hall on 23 March 2016. The Pakistan Mission to the United Nations would organize an hour-and-half long 'Sufi Night Music of Peace' concert. UN officials, diplomats, media and many representatives were expected to attend the concert that was aimed at promoting international peace and harmony.
President of India, Pranab Mukherjee had greeted the Government of Pakistan ahead of their National Day. Pranab Mukherjee wrote to his counterpart in Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain and said that India was committed to amicable, peaceful and cooperative relations with Pakistan. He added that he firmly believes the relations between India and Pakistan will lead to prosperity and progress of both the countries.
Pakistan celebrated its 76th National Day with a pledge to become stronger by eliminating terrorism to achieve sustainable economic growth and political stability. At dawn, a 31-gun salute was presented in the National capital, Islamabad and 21-gun salutes were given in other capital cities. High security arrangements were already made in the main cities of Pakistan ahead of National Day to avoid unpleasant incidents.
Mobile carrier companies had stated that cell phone signals and wireless internet, according to the government's orders, would be turned off on 23 March in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for the National Day parade and celebrations as a part of security arrangements.
Pakistan National Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and the armed forces had displayed their might at the joint military parade held at the Parade Ground, Islamabad. President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Chiefs of the armed forces attended the event. Paratroopers' demonstration, army aviation fly-past, tri-services' march-past and air force fly-past were the highlights of the event.
