Tag: Pakistan Day

  • Babar Azam, Behroze Sabzwari and more: List of 2023 Sitara-e-Imtiaz recipients

    Babar Azam, Behroze Sabzwari and more: List of 2023 Sitara-e-Imtiaz recipients

    President Dr Arif Alvi conferred Pakistan’s civil awards on 135 citizens as well as foreign nationals on Pakistan Day i.e. March 23, in recognition of excellence and gallantry in their respective fields.

    Among the civil awards, many renowned personalities were awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz which is the country’s third-highest civilian honour.

    Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam became the highlight of the event, becoming the youngest cricketer to hold this honour.

    Media personality Fakhar-e-Alam, actor Behroze Sabzwari and journalist Nadeem Malik were also conferred with Sitara-e-Imtiaz.

    Muhammad Afzal Javed and Zafarulah Khan (services to Pakistan), Dr Saeed Akhtar (medicine), late Humayun Khan (agriculture), Dr Sharif Malik (medicine), Mahfoozur Rehman (education), late Saghar Siddiqui (poetry), late Shama Khalid (art); late Ziauddin, Javed Chaudhry (journalist); Dr Anees Ahmed and Maulana Hanif Jalandhari (religious scholar), and Waqar Ahmed Malik (public service) were included.

    Among others who were also conferred the Sitara-e-Imtiaz award were Syed Murataz Mahmood (public service), Imdadullah Bosal (public service) and Mirza Ishtiaq Baig (social service); Lt Gen Noman Zakaria, Major General Muhammad Idris Dastgir, Brigadier Salman Rashid Hussain, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Asim Ali Khan, Samina Chagali, Dr Amir Malik, Tahir Rai and Riazuddin Sheikh (public service) and Tariq Mahmood (art).

  • PM, president awaken spirit of service as nation celebrates Pakistan Day

    Amidst political turmoil, the 83rd Pakistan Day is being celebrated on Thursday.

    Pakistan Day is the celebration of the passing of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.

    According to Radio Pakistan, the day started off with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals.

    A change of guards ceremony was also held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in Karachi and Lahore, respectively.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif gave a message to the country, urging the nation to pay tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers but stressed not to lose sight of the challenges staring the country in the face.

    “The challenges are topped by a combination of economic instability and the inability to settle the rules of the game. An environment of political chaos explains why we have failed to develop our economy on a sustainable basis,” said the PM.

    The premier said that for Pakistan to “achieve great heights”, the countrymen will “have to forge unity in our ranks, equip ourselves with national purpose and vow to wage a struggle in line with the legacy of our forefathers”.

    “Today the nation pays homage to Pakistan’s founding fathers for their political wisdom, sagacity & determination to wage a relentless struggle for a separate homeland,” the premier tweeted.

    In his message to the nation, President Dr Arif Alvi recalled that the country established state institutions, made its defence impregnable, achieved nuclear deterrence, curbed terrorism, overcame the Covid-19 pandemic, and displayed the spirit of sacrifice and cooperation in the face of natural calamities.

    However, he said, we still have a long way to go to ensure the rule of law, strengthen democracy, reduce inequalities in our society, empower women, provide the rights of persons with disabilities, eradicate terrorism and extremism, ensure the political and economic stability of the country, and protect the human rights of our citizens.

    Today, we pay tribute to the founding fathers of our nation whose struggles and sacrifices led to the creation of Pakistan, he said.

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also conveyed his wishes to the citizens on the occasion.

    In a tweet posted on Thursday, he wished for the country to “grow, prosper and thrive in peace and harmony consistent with the vision of our founding fathers”.

  • Police arrest Indian woman for allegedly wishing Pakistan Day on Whatsapp status

    Police arrest Indian woman for allegedly wishing Pakistan Day on Whatsapp status

    In the Indian state of Karnataka, police have arrested a female student, Kuthma Shiekh for allegedly posting wishes for Pakistan Day on her Whatsapp status on March 23.

    According to Hindustan Times, Kuthma Sheikh posted a Whatsapp Status in Urdu which says, “Allah har mulk me ittihaad, aman, sukoon, ata farma maula [May God bless every nation with peace, unity, and harmony].”

    An activist, Arun Kumar Bhajantri filed a complaint against her in which he claimed that the woman intended to infuse tensions on a basis of ethnicity.

    According to the police, the woman is a Mudhol native and studying at a madrasa.

    The police claimed that she broke the law of Indian Penal Code Sections 153(A) (inciting hatred between groups based on religion, race, or other characteristics) and 505(2) (inciting hatred between groups based on religion, race, or other factors) (making statements that promote hostility between groups).

    Authorities claimed that Whatsapp status could prompt riots, protests to which they had to detain the woman. Police further added, “Her status might be interpreted as a celebration of Pakistan’s Republic Day.”

    “If we hadn’t moved quickly enough, it could have resulted in rioting, protests, and counter-protests, the official continued.

    She was arrested on March 24 but she was released on bail the next day.

  • President, PM share special messages on Pakistan Day

    President, PM share special messages on Pakistan Day

    On the occasion of Pakistan Day, President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan remarked in separate messages that the day will soon come when Pakistan will be economically powerful and successful, Radio Pakistan has reported.

    The President further said that the desire for a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent has shown to be politically correct over time.

    Human rights violations in India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as persecution of minorities in India, he claims, are sufficient evidence that the Muslim leadership of the time foresaw what would happen to Muslims if they remained at the mercy of the Hindu majority in undivided India.

    In his message, the Prime Minister emphasised the need of adhering to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s ideals of Unity, Faith, and Discipline, as well as rededicating ourselves to the establishment of Pakistan as a truly democratic welfare state based on the Riyasat-e-Madina model.

    He claimed that the current administration had implemented long-term reforms and actions to reduce poverty and promote justice.

    The Prime Minister stated that the government’s focus will continue to be on marginalised groups in society in order to give them equal chances.

  • Sales to avail on Pakistan Day

    Pakistan Day will be celebrated with full zest tomorrow on March 23 across the country.

    On this day, various brands are offering discounts for their customers. The Current has made a list of brands that are offering sales, so it’s easy for you to choose and shop. Have a look:

    By The Way

    By The Way is offering a flat 23 per cent discount on their entire stock.

    J. Fragrances & Cosmetics

    J. Fragrances & Cosmetics is offering up tp 40 per cent off.

    Ideas by Gul Ahmed

    Ideas by Gul Ahmed is offering up to 50 per cent discount. However, the sale is exclusively online.

    CONATURAL

    Conatural, an organic hair and skin care brand, is offering a flat 23 per cent discount on its entire stock from March 22 to March 23.

    NDURE

    If you are looking to get some new shoes, you can check out NDURE , they have a flat 30 per cent sale going on.

    Engine

    You can upgrade your summer wardrobe from Engine as the brand is offering flat 30 per cent off.

    Telemart

    Telemart is offering discounts up to 70 per cent on electrical and mobile devices.

    Limelight

    Limelight is offering 23 per cent off on ready-to-wear, accessories and more.

    Amir Adnan

    Amir Adnan‘s Pakistan Day sale offers up to 50 per cent off on selected items from March 17-23.

    Liberty Books

    Liberty Books is offering an online-only discount of up to 40 per cent on 17,000 plus titles. If you love reading books, don’t miss this sale.

  • PDM determined to hold long march three months from now

    PDM determined to hold long march three months from now

    Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is determined to hold a long march on Pakistan Day.

    The Opposition alliance on Tuesday pledged to reach Islamabad on March 23 and warned the authorities against any attempt to use force to prevent the marchers from entering the federal capital.

    “So far, we have decided to reach Islamabad. The duration of the stay will be decided [by the leadership] after reaching the capital,” said PDM spokesman Hafiz Hamdullah.

    “We will come. Stop us Asad Umar, if you can,” said Hamdullah, referring to Asad Umar’s statement where the latter said if PDM staged a long march to Islamabad to topple the government, “the people gathered in the public meeting will thrash you“.

    Meanwhile, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed had called out the PDM for announcing a long march on Pakistan Day as an “extremely irresponsible and immoral” move.

  • ‘Highly irresponsible and immoral’: Sheikh Rasheed calls out PDM for holding march on Pakistan Day

    ‘Highly irresponsible and immoral’: Sheikh Rasheed calls out PDM for holding march on Pakistan Day

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed called out the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for announcing a long march on March 23, Pakistan Day, as an “extremely irresponsible and immoral” move.

    PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced that the Opposition alliance will hold an “anti-inflation march” in Islamabad on March 23.

    “The federal capital is put on high alert for preparations of the parade. Even some roads are barricaded two to three days in advance,” added Sheikh Rasheed.

  • VIDEO: Turkish military band plays ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s’ theme song at Pakistan Day celebrations

    VIDEO: Turkish military band plays ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s’ theme song at Pakistan Day celebrations

    The Pakistan Day celebrations at Parade Avenue in Islamabad were a grand affair. The event which takes place on March 23 every year to mark Pakistan Resolution Day was rescheduled to March 25 due to bad weather conditions.

    While everything was taking place as per the norm, what caught everyone’s attention was the Turkish band’s performance of Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s theme song. As per Radio Pakistan, the Turkish military band also presented different tunes including Dil Dil Pakistan during the parade.

    To reaffirm the strong bond between Pakistan and Turkey, a Turkish fighter jet also presented a whole range of dazzling maneuvers.

    The Turkish band was holding three flags, white red and green.The white flag represented peace, red represented Ottoman Empire and the green represented Islam.

    Meanwhile, President Arif Alvi, who was the chief guest at the occasion, said: “Pakistan is laced with capabilities to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty, categorically stating that any misadventure will receive a befitting response.

    The President added that Pakistan is a strong nuclear power and “apart from making progress in the socio-economic sectors, the country has achieved self-reliance in defence”. He also expressed satisfaction that Pakistan is also exporting its defence products.

    The floats of Ministry of Science and Technology and the front-line healthcare workers against Covid-19 were also part of the parade.

    Performers from Pakistan also participated in the parade. Ali Hamza from Noori the band and Young stunners were also performing.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the Prime Minister Imran Khan was unable to attend the parade because he had tested positive for coronavirus last week.

  • Modi writes to Imran with ‘desire for cordial relations with Pakistani people’

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said to Prime Minister Imran Khan that “as a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan”.

    The above was said in Modi’s Pakistan Day message to the premier, wherein he extended his greetings to the people of Pakistan who celebrated the anniversary of the Lahore Resolution across the country.

    The message was conveyed to PM Imran by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad through the Foreign Office (FO).

    “For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative,” Modi said in the message. He also sent his wishes to the prime minister and the people of Pakistan, who were facing a “difficult time for humanity” due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the message concluded.

    Modi’s comments come days after Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, speaking during the Islamabad Security Dialogue, said that lasting peace in the sub-continent will remain elusive until the resolution of the Kashmir issue, stressing that it was time for Pakistan and India to “bury the past and move forward”.

    The army chief had noted that stable Indo-Pak relations were the key to unlocking the potential of South and Central Asia by ensuring connectivity between East and West Asia.

    But this potential has always remained hostage to the disputes and issues between the two “nuclear neighbours”, he said.

    “The Kashmir issue is obviously at the heart of this. It is important to understand that without the resolution of Kashmir dispute through peaceful means, [the] process of sub-continental rapprochement will always remain susceptible to derailment due to politically motivated bellicosity.”

    “We feel it is time to bury the past and move forward,” he said, adding that the onus for meaningful dialogue rested with India. “Our neighbour will have to create a conducive environment, particularly in occupied Kashmir.”

    It is worth mentioning here that recently Bloomberg reported that the government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) was facilitating the development of a four-step “roadmap for peace” between Pakistan and India.

    The report cited the surprise joint statement by directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India on February 25, that agreed to end Line of Control (LoC) ceasefire violations (CFVs) as the outcome of the talks brokered by the Emirati government months earlier.

    The report also stated that progress on the Pakistan-India “peace” process had been discussed during Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed’s meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the former’s visit to New Delhi on February 26.

  • ‘OohLala’: Shahid Afridi launches new range of skincare products

    ‘OohLala’: Shahid Afridi launches new range of skincare products

    Shahid Afridi has become the latest celebrity to jump the bandwagon and launch a range of skincare products. Earlier, Aijaz Aslam, Ayesha Omar, Waseem Badami and Shoaib Malik had launched their own respective skincare lines.

    Announcing the news on social media, Afridi shared that the new line, from the world of Hope Care, is named ‘Ooh Lala‘.

    “Ooh Lala offers premium quality personal care products for both men and women so they feel confident and shine like a star,” added Lala.

    The promotional video for the line features Afridi himself as he uses the different products to groom himself.

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1374303652286885890?s=20

    Meanwhile, sharing the promotional video on Instagram, the former captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team said: “I have always believed that whatever I am today is because of my parent’s blessings and the love of my fans. My fans bring meaning to my life.”

    “That’s the reason whatever I do on-the-field or off-the-field, I try to give something to my fans and countrymen,” he added, sharing that the personal care products will give both men and women the confidence to “shine like a star”.

    Besides this new skincare line, Afridi also has a clothing brand ‘Hope Not Out’.

    The Hope Not Out assortment features comfortable and cosy daily wearable denims, sweatshirts, graphic t-shirts, polo shirts and more. The brand’s motto is to make premium quality clothes in Pakistan “while giving back to the community, returning to the roots and help in creating a greater team that provides the perfect platform for people to grow and providing hope for all”.