Pakistan marked its 85th Republic Day on Sunday, March 23, with a grand military parade in Islamabad and numerous events across the country, reflecting national pride and unity.
The day, which commemorates the Lahore Resolution of 1940, served as both a tribute to the founding ideals of the nation and a call to rise above current challenges.
At the ceremony, Pakistan Air Force fighter jets performed a fly-past, demonstrating the nation’s air defense capabilities. Meanwhile, Pakistan Army troops conducted a march-past, paying tribute to the attendees at the event.
This year’s Pakistan Day parade on March 23 was held at the President’s House, rather than its usual venue at Shakarparian. The event was scaled down in observance of the holy month of Ramadan.
March 23 — A day of National Reflection and Celebration
Republic Day, also known as Pakistan Day or Pakistan Resolution Day, is a pivotal occasion in the country’s history. The celebrations began in the morning with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. Across Pakistan, flags were hoisted atop major official buildings, and ceremonies were held to reflect on the importance of the Lahore Resolution that laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s creation.
The military parade, held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the official residence of the president, featured all three branches of Pakistan’s armed forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force. The parade was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members of parliament, diplomatic corps, and military leadership.
During the ceremony, President Zardari acknowledged the numerous challenges Pakistan faces, particularly in the realms of security and economic stability. “Pakistan faces several geopolitical problems, but our brave armed forces are giving numerous sacrifices as they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan’s masses,” said Zardari. He further emphasized that the nation would stabilize its borders, economy, and agriculture through collective effort.
President Zardari extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation, urging Pakistanis to rise above divisions and embrace the same spirit that led to the creation of Pakistan. “Pakistan’s greatest strength lies in its people, their resilience, dedication, and patriotism, which have enabled the nation to overcome its most challenging times,” the president remarked.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed a message of hope and unity. He highlighted the potential for economic prosperity, social justice, and global recognition through sustained dedication and national cohesion. “This moment serves as both a testament to Pakistan’s collective resolve and a powerful reminder of the values of sacrifice and perseverance,” Sharif stated.
Happy #Pakistan Day 2025 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/5GwmXH1bsB
— The STRATCOM Bureau (@OSPSF) March 22, 2025
Honoring Outstanding Contributions: Civil Awards Ceremony
In a ceremony that followed the parade, President Zardari conferred Pakistan’s highest civil awards upon 69 individuals—both Pakistani nationals and foreign nationals—for their remarkable contributions in fields such as health, education, literature, journalism, diplomacy, and the economy.
Some prominent recipients includded Sultan Alai Akbar Allana, Dr Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Ali Haider Gilani, Khawaja Anwar Majeed, Javed Jabbar, Saadia Rashid, Umar Farooq, Sana Hashwani, Safinaz Munir, Aneeqa Bano, Amin Muhammad Lakhani, Sarwar Munir Rao, Hassan Ayub and mir Nadir Khan Magsi.
The ceremony also recognized foreign nationals for their significant contributions to Pakistan’s development, including Hyder Qurbanov and Dr. Christine Brunhilde, who received the Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam award. Agostino Da Polenza and Professor Valeria Picacentini were conferred the Tamgha-e-Pakistan, and Dr. Xinmin Liu was awarded the Tamgha-e-Quaid-e-Azam.
Separately, military awards were conferred upon the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force. These awards included two Sitara-i-Basalat, 227 Tamgha-i-Basalat, 82 Imtiazi Asnad, 185 Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards, 23 Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 112 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 133 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) awards.
Pakistan Day 2025 celebrations at embassies around the world
Pakistan’s embassies across the globe marked the occasion with flag-hoisting ceremonies and celebrations that echoed the national spirit. From the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Malaysia, and from France and Norway to South Africa, Pakistanis abroad took part in events that honored the nation’s history and the sacrifices of its founding fathers.
At the Pakistani embassy in Kuala Lumpur, High Commissioner Syed Ahsan Raza Shah paid tribute to the nation’s forefathers, particularly Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Meanwhile, in Cairo, the Charge d’Affaires Dr. Raza Shahid delivered a congratulatory message from Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The embassy celebrations also featured ceremonial cakes, prayers for the nation’s prosperity, and speeches reflecting on the significance of the Lahore Resolution of 1940. These international tributes reinforced the unity and pride of Pakistan’s global diaspora.
As Pakistan celebrates its Republic Day, the nation is reminded of the resilience and determination that have defined its journey from the Lahore Resolution to the present day. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the collective spirit of the people remains a source of hope for a prosperous and stable future.