Pakistan celebrates 40th anniversary

Pakistan Friday celebrated Pakistan Day, observing the 1940 adoption of a resolution recommending creation of an independent Muslim state. The celebration began with 31-gun salutes in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, while 21-gun salutes were held in the provincial capitals, Dawn News reported. A changing-of-the-guard ceremony took place at the Lahore mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, a philosopher, poet and politician in British India widely seen as inspiring the move toward an independent Muslim state of Pakistan. Pakistan Air Force Air Commodore Sohail Ahmad laid a wreath at the mausoleum and offered prayers, the Express Tribune reported. Special Pakistan Day prayers for prosperity were offered throughout the country. Gov. Sindh Ishratul Ibad and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah paid tribute at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan's founder, in Karachi. Shah said Quaid's political vision led to passage of the resolution. Pakistan Television, Radio Pakistan and private channels planned to air programs relating to Pakistan Day and the lives of Jinnah and others, the government-supported Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The All India Muslim League adopted the Pakistan Resolution March 23, 1940, demanding a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent.