Ever since my childhood, the word, ‘Pakistan’ fascinated me. It carried strong enthusiastic vibes and magnanimity to discover something beyond the common realms. As I grew up, the feeling that Pakistan arose in me gave me a purpose to work for a ‘country’ which was founded after countless sacrifices of people. Those sacrifices were made on the basis of a historical commitment known as Pakistan Resolution (Lahore Resolution) which expressed the idea of the state of Pakistan. Under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, leaders of all corners of the Subcontinent agreed to work for the cause of freedom on March 23, 1940.
Today is Pakistan Day and I am planting a tree in my garden. As I dig deep, so does my commitment to serve the nation with all honesty and care becomes stronger. Like me, there are people of diverse backgrounds, institutions and organizations, who express their patriotism and commitment to work for the progress of the country on Pakistan Day.

The holiday is celebrated with early morning military and civilian parades with 31 and 21 gun salutes in Islamabad and provincial capitals, followed by a host of cultural and other activities, throughout the day. Pakistani Armed Forces display nuclear-capable weapons, tanks, jets, drones and other weapons systems in the Pakistan Day Parade.

The national flag is flown from all government buildings and departments. Major buildings including the Lahore Railway Station, WAPDA House and the Provincial Assembly building, are decorated with vibrant green lights and colorful bunting to mark the glorious Day. The President confers national awards and medals to those who have made their country proud through their valuable contributions. Beautiful wreaths are also laid at the mausoleums of Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi. Government offices, banks, post offices, educational institutions and businesses remain closed.

Like other academic institutions, UMT also celebrated Jashan-e-Pakistan Festival titled, ‘Challenging your Limits’ which included exciting musical performances and competitions by students. Shahzad Ali, Nescafe Basement Performer, gave live performance which was thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd. Students spoke about their resolutions for the country, sang national songs which ignited the spirits of friends and family. Teams from schools, colleges and universities from all over Pakistan participated in the event. The day long celebrations comprised of the 5th All Pakistan Bilingual Declamation Contest, calligraphy, sketching (still life), modern art (painting), poetry slam, spell bee and a much anticipated national singing competition. It was a proud moment to see people from various strata of society sang, played and danced to the tunes of freedom. Various food stalls including Chinese, Continental foods and desserts attracted food lovers. The campus resounded with ‘freedom pride’ and a promise to stay united for Pakistan.

To celebrate this, educational institutes throughout the country organize special Pakistan Day functions, where students garbed in the local attires display their unity and strength. They participate in debate and singing competitions, perform on mili-naghmas (patriotic songs) and exhibit their dramatic talent in numerous tableau's. Special prayers for the peace, stability, and progress of Pakistan are made throughout the country. The Lahore Arts Council organized a musical program, ‘Alhamra Live,’ in which patriotic songs were played.
The celebrations of Pakistan Day are a reminder that Pakistan was founded with a purpose where we can
dedicate our lives for the peace, prosperity and sovereignty of country.