The nation is celebrating its 78th Independence Day today, renewing its commitment to the spirit of the Pakistan Movement, with the aim of transforming the country into a true Islamic welfare state.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and a 21-gun salute in the provincial headquarters. Special prayers were offered in mosques across the country for peace, solidarity, and prosperity.
Main ceremony with PM
The main national flag-hoisting ceremony took place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag. He was accompanied by national Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem and Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani.
The PM also laid a floral wreath at the monument to honor the founding fathers and national heroes of the country.
Before the flag-hoisting, sirens were sounded and a minute's silence observed. The After unfurling the flag, a salute was also given and the national anthem played.
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Earlier in the day, a change of guard ceremony was held at the Quaid's Mausoleum, with a smartly dressed contingent of cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy assuming charge.
Throughout the country, roadside stalls have been set up in various cities, selling flags, badges, stickers, and patriotic clothing to mark the occasion.
Events at Iqbal Mausoleum, Hazuri Bagh, Governor House, LHC
In Lahore, a change of guards ceremony took place at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, where the Pakistan Army took over duties from the Rangers. Major General Shoaib bin Akram, commanding officer of the 10th Division, was the chief guest at the event. He laid a wreath at the mausoleum and recorded his comments in the guest book.
Meanwhile, in Hazuri Bagh, an Independence Day ceremony was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who hoisted the national flag. The event was also graced by other notable figures, including Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman. Maryam Nawaz later visited Allama Iqbal's mausoleum, where she offered prayers and penned down her thoughts in the guest book.
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At the Governor's House in Lahore, Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan hoisted the national flag in a ceremony attended by the Iranian consul general and local leaders of the PPP. The event echoed with patriotic slogans and reflected the nation's unity and pride.
A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at Lahore High Court where Acting Chief Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh unfurled the flag. He was also presented a salute by a contingent of the police force. Judges, lawyers and court staff also participated in the ceremony.
Quaid's Mausoleum Karachi, Governor House, SHC
In Karachi, the change of guards ceremony at the Quaid's Mausoleum was conducted by cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy. Commodore Muhammad Khalid, commandant of the Naval Academy, was the chief guest and inspected the parade of guards. Sindh governor and chief minister were also present and laid flowers.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized the need for unity in these challenging times to propel the country forward, while Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori assured that attempts to destabilize the nation politically would be thwarted.
On the eve of Independence Day, the Governor's House in Karachi was illuminated with vibrant lights, and the largest fireworks display in history was organized, drawing a large crowd of spectators. The celebratory atmosphere was further enhanced when a 1,000-pound cake was cut, symbolizing the nation's joy on this momentous occasion.
However, the event also witnessed an unfortunate incident when a 50-year-old woman was injured in a stampede.
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The Sindh High Court also celebrated Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Chief Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui. He, along with the president of the Sindh High Court Bar, Rehan Aziz Malik, also cut an Independence Day cake.
In his address, Chief Justice Siddiqui urged the nation to work towards the country’s development and prosperity, emphasizing the importance of upholding the constitution and law to safeguard Pakistan's ideological and geographical boundaries.
The MQM-Pakistan held a spectacular firework display at the Five Star Chowrangi where citizens enjoyed in large numbers. Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui congratulated the participants on Independence Day and said the children of the builders of Pakistan are alive. Senior leader Mustafa Kamal said if Karachi's economy functioned, the country will move forward.
The Jamaat-e-Islami also held a flag-hoisting ceremony at Water Pump Chowrangi in Karachi where Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Munim Zafar Khan hoisted the flag. Khan, while addressing the ceremony, said the problems of the country and the nation could be solved only by making Pakistan an Islamic ideological and welfare state.
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Moreover, the Foreign Office building was illuminated with vibrant colours of the national flag. The spokesperson said the colours were a symbol of the nation's strength and unity.
Ceremony at IHC
At a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Islamabad High Court, Chief Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani unfurled the flag. Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb and Justice Arbab Tahir were also present at the ceremony. Prayers were held for the development and stability of Pakistan.
Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Kayani said: "Our war is still going on today, We are working within the Constitution and law. The ideological and geographical boundaries will remain intact only by working according to the Constitution and law," he added.
Peshawar, KP events
In Peshawar, the main flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Civil Secretariat, where Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur hoisted the national flag. The event featured a salute from the police squad, performances by school children, and the cutting of a cake to mark the celebration.
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Spectacular fireworks displays lit up the skies in several cities, including Gwadar and City Park Gahkoach in Ghizar, with citizens gathering in large numbers to express their love for Pakistan.
Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan celebrations
In Quetta, the Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, with a flag-hoisting ceremony held at the Balochistan Assembly. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and other high-ranking officials.
Similarly, the historic Chinar Bagh in Gilgit-Baltistan was the site of an official flag-hoisting ceremony, where Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan paid tribute to the martyrs and urged the citizens to protect the freedom that was hard-earned by their forefathers.
The Pak-Afghan border at Chaman also witnessed a vibrant Independence Day celebration, with a massive 60x40 feet national flag being hoisted at Bab-e-Dosti. The ceremony attracted a large gathering of businessmen and citizens who came together to celebrate the nation's independence with pride.
The celebrations across the country highlighted the unity, patriotism, and resilience of the Pakistani people as they commemorated their nation's independence with enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to its progress and prosperity.
