logo
Govt declares 16th as a ‘Day of Gratitude'

Govt declares 16th as a ‘Day of Gratitude'

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has declared May 16, 2025, as a 'Day of Gratitude' to commemorate the success of Operation Bunyan un Marsoos.
The Prime Minister will preside over the ceremony as the chief guest, with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and heads of the armed forces also in attendance.
The day will honour both the people of Pakistan and the armed forces for a 'historic victory in the battle for truth.'
According to official sources, the day will begin with Quran recitations and special prayers at mosques across the country. A 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in each of the provincial capitals will mark the occasion.
Ceremonies for the changing of the guards will take place at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and Allama Iqbal in Lahore, alongside national flag-hoisting ceremonies in Islamabad and other provincial capitals. In a series of commemorative activities, floral wreaths will be laid at memorials dedicated to the martyrs of the operation, and prayer ceremonies will be held to pay homage to those who lost their lives. Families of the shaheed soldiers will also be honoured through official visits and tributes.
The central event will be held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. Prominent figures from all walks of life, including scholars, civil society members, and public officials, are expected to attend.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

President Zardari, PM Shehbaz pledge to strive for equal rights of minorities
President Zardari, PM Shehbaz pledge to strive for equal rights of minorities

Business Recorder

timea day ago

  • Business Recorder

President Zardari, PM Shehbaz pledge to strive for equal rights of minorities

In separate messages on the National Minorities Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday renewed their pledge to strive for religious freedom and equal rights of minorities in the country. They said Pakistan considers the unforgettable services rendered by minorities in every walk of life as its national asset. The National Minorities Day is being observed today with the aim to highlight minorities' religious and socio-economic rights in Pakistan. The declaration to mark National Minorities Day was adopted as part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to help and secure those belonging to religious, linguistic, national or ethnic minority groups. The day marks Quaid-e-Azam's historic speech to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, in which he pledged equal rights and freedom of religion for all citizens. 'Ethics should be taught to everyone, not just to minority students,' says Sindh MPA In his message, President Zardari reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding and advancing the rights of minorities, the President House said. 'This day reflects Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's vision of a Pakistan where every citizen lives in equality, harmony, and mutual respect. 'It is also an occasion to acknowledge the contributions of our minority communities to nation-building. They have served the country with dedication in the armed forces, judiciary, civil services, education and healthcare,' he said. The president said minorities' patriotism and service remain a source of pride for the entire nation. 'The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, or colour. It safeguards the legitimate interests of minorities, ensuring their political, economic, religious,social, and cultural rights,' he said. Zardari said Pakistan has taken a number of measures for the welfare and empowerment of minorities. These include the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities, allocation of Minorities Welfare Fund, restoration and preservation of places of worship and provision of scholarships and financial assistance to minority students, he maintained. 'In 2009, during my first tenure as president of Pakistan, the government declared August 11 as Minorities Day to reaffirm our national commitment to equality, inclusion, and the recognition of minority rights. We continue to promote interfaith dialogue and ensure meaningful participation of minorities in every sphere of national life,' he said. PM Shehbaz, in his message, said the entire nation is marking the Minorities Day to appreciate their key role in the country's development and progress and for protection of minorities' rights, the PM Office said. 'The historic speech of the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on August 11, 1947, is an ideological guarantee for the secure future of minorities in Pakistan,' he said. The premier said many Pakistani sons belonging to the minority communities have bravely sacrificed their lives in the defence of the country. 'We pay a heartfelt tribute to them,' he added. Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani extended heartfelt congratulations to all religious and linguistic minorities across the country on the occasion of International Minorities Day and expressed his best wishes for their prosperity and progress. He stated that the Constitution and laws of Pakistan provide equal rights to all citizens without discrimination, and effective legislation has been enacted at the national level to protect, promote, and implement the rights of minorities. 'The role of minorities in the country's development, stability, and harmony is highly important and commendable,' the Senate chairman stressed. He said that minorities have consistently rendered significant services in various fields of life, and particularly at the parliamentary level, women belonging to minority communities have been given full representation, reflecting democratic values and an inclusive style of governance.

Govt to protect rights of minorities: PM
Govt to protect rights of minorities: PM

Business Recorder

time2 days ago

  • Business Recorder

Govt to protect rights of minorities: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the government of Pakistan guided by high religious and constitutional values was committed to the full inclusion of minorities in government institutions, Parliament and the national mainstream. In a message on National Minorities Day observed on August 11, he said, 'Today, the entire nation, including me, is celebrating National Minorities Day to protect the rights of minorities and appreciate their key role in the country's development and progress.' He said, 'Today, we renew our pledge to always strive for religious freedom and equal rights of minorities in the light of the teachings of the founder of Pakistan and Islamic teachings.' 'The historic speech of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on August 11, 1947, is an ideological guarantee for the secure future of minorities in Pakistan,' he remarked, adding, 'The welfare and well-being of all minorities in Pakistan, be they Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, Parsis, is one of the priority duties of the government of Pakistan.' 'Pakistan considers the unforgettable services rendered by minorities in every walk of life as its national asset. Many Pakistani sons belonging to minorities have bravely sacrificed their lives in the defence of the country. We pay tribute to them from the bottom of our hearts,' he said adding, 'Pakistan is proud of its minorities' patriotism, professional hard work and attachment to national heritage and culture.' The prime minister said, 'It is a matter of satisfaction that minorities in Pakistan enjoy all political, economic and social rights under the Constitution of Pakistan.' 'Protection of the rights of minorities is not only a constitutional obligation but also our religious duty. Because Islam specifically advocates the protection of civil, religious and social rights of minorities. Ulema and religious leaders play a key role in protecting religious freedom, ensuring the honour and dignity of places of worship and minority representatives,' he noted. 'All Pakistanis, including minorities, need to realize their national responsibilities by practicing unity and solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance. Today, all Pakistanis and the Government of Pakistan, regardless of colour and race, reaffirm their resolve to fulfil their national duties in a unified manner,' he concluded.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store