Pakistan marks 85 years of sovereignty

MARCH 23 has been a historic day for Pakistan since the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940 and the declaration of Pakistan's first constitution on the same day in 1956, which officially made it the first country to declare itself an "Islamic Republic" in the world.Behind this historic achievement of independence was Mohammad Ali Jinnah, also known as Quaid-e-Azam, who's rightfully honored with the title, Father of the Nation or Founding Father of Pakistan.Today, March 23, 2025, the country celebrates the 85th Pakistan Day, also known as Resolution Day and National Day with Pakistanis around the world joining in to commemorate this momentous occasion.As stated in an article by Pakistan-based nongovernmental research organization Strategic Research Institute, Pakistan Day is a nationwide holiday celebrated through various festivities such as military parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies and patriotic activities.Under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, the 14th president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, alongside Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan continues to march on, guided by its pillars of faith, unity and discipline. Stronger Pakistan-Philippine tiesLast year, the Embassy of Pakistan in Manila, Philippines marked Pakistan Day with a series of events, beginning with a flag-hoisting ceremony on March 23, 2024, which was attended by members of the Pakistani community from different parts of the Philippines.Two days later, a grand celebration was held, bringing together Manila-based diplomatic corps, local dignitaries, parliamentarians, media representatives and Pakistanis to celebrate the occasion.In a show of support for Pakistan-Filipino families, the Philippine government also granted approval for a five-year residence permit for Pakistanis married to Filipino spouses.This year, Pakistan and the Philippines are commemorating 76 years of friendship, which dates back to Sept. 8, 1949, when diplomatic relations were established with the opening of a Philippine Consulate in Pakistan.The Philippines stands with Pakistan in unity, faith and discipline.Happy Pakistan Resolution Day!