Islamabad(The COW News Digital)Pakistan is celebrating its 86th Republic Day today with traditional enthusiasm and national spirit, while observing simplicity and austerity in official events. The day is being observed as a public holiday across the country, with citizens participating in various ceremonies to honor the historic occasion.
The celebrations began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered in mosques nationwide for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the country. The ceremonies were marked by patriotic slogans, including “Allah-o-Akbar” and “Pakistan Zindabad,” echoing across different venues.
This year, the government has opted for a more modest observance of Pakistan Day due to ongoing economic constraints and regional tensions, particularly in the Middle East. As part of austerity measures, the traditional Pakistan Day military parade has been canceled, and the central flag-hoisting ceremony was held in a simple yet dignified manner.
A key highlight of the day was the change of guard ceremony at Mazar-e-Iqbal, the mausoleum of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force presented a ceremonial guard and performed a march-past, taking over security responsibilities from the Sutlej Rangers.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Shahid Afzal, who laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered prayers. He also recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book, paying tribute to Iqbal’s vision and contributions to the creation of Pakistan.
Despite scaled-down celebrations, the spirit of Pakistan Day remains strong, reflecting unity, resilience, and a renewed commitment to national progress. The observance highlights the importance of responsible governance and solidarity during challenging times, while reinforcing the values that led to the creation of the nation.
