• Chinese president says he is pleased by Islamabad’s development achievements
• King Charles highlights cooperation in building climate resilience
• PM, Dar reiterate commitment to peace, wiping out terror
• Star-and-crescent raised in Tehran embassy amid US-Israel war
ISLAMABAD: As the nation marked Pakistan Day under the shadow of simmering crises in the region, the political leadership vowed to protect the country’s peace and security, while several countries conveyed messages of goodwill.
Chief among them was Chinese President Xi Jinping, who expressed willingness to work with President Asif Ali Zardari to build an even closer Sino-Pak community with a shared future in the new era.
President Xi’s message to the president highlighted the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan this year, as well as the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan.
He expressed hope that both sides would carry forward their traditional friendship, enhance strategic communication and alignment of development strategies, and move forward together on their respective paths to modernisation.
He lauded the Pakistani government on steadfastly safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity, overcoming various risks and challenges, and advancing national development, as well as making contributions to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.
As a close friend, China is sincerely pleased with Pakistan’s development achievements, Xi added.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on also extended his congratulations on Pakistan Day in a message to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Over the past years, the Pakistani government and people have overcome various risks and challenges, achieved economic and social development, and played an increasingly important role in international and regional affairs, said Wang — also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee — in his congratulatory message
Wang expressed willingness to work with Dar to follow through on the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries and deepen the Pak-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
Charles’ message
King Charles III of Great Britain also sent a message to the president, saying that he looked forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year to reaffirm shared commitments and chart a course for the future.
In his message, the British monarch reflected on the shared bond between the two countries, and the vibrant British-Pakistani community that serves as a vital link.
He also mentioned the practical cooperation between London and Islamabad on building climate resilience and a better future — something of a pet subject for King Charles — and highlighted efforts to strengthen flood preparedness and water management as examples of the new partnership between both nations.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, President Zardari reciprocated King Charles’ heartfelt message, saying that his warm words reflected a bond that went beyond diplomacy, rooted in people, culture and shared future.
Commitment against terrorism
In his message to the nation, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, said the country was celebrating Pakistan Day at a time when the region was engulfed in conflicts. and the economic and political repercussions of the ongoing conflict had affected Pakistan as well.
Saying that Pakistan remained firmly committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism, he singled out Afghanistan, saying that actions targeting terrorist outfits such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were directed towards this goal.
He paid tribute to the martyrs and heroes who had rendered the supreme sacrifice for the betterment of our collective future, and also recalled the exceptional sacrifices given by Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their quest for the inalienable right to self-determination.
Earlier, in his own Pakistan Day message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had termed military action inside Afghanistan “a symbol of our national resolve against terrorism”.
“We will not allow any harm to the peace and security of our country,” he added.
Ceremonies
Pakistan Day was marked with traditional zeal across the country, even though the festivities had been toned down in line with prevailing austerity measures.
PM Shehbaz Sharif raised the national flag in a small ceremony in his Lahore camp office, while changing of guard ceremonies were held at the Mazar-i-Quaid and the tomb of Allama Iqbal, among other key sites.
Diplomatic missions around the world also observed Pakistan Day, including in Tehran, where amid intermittent bombing, a flag hoisting ceremony was held and the president and PM’s messages were also read out.
Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2026