Islamabad – The nation celebrated Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day on Friday with national zeal and fervour, renewing its pledge to uphold the spirit of the Pakistan Movement and work towards making the country a true Islamic welfare state.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters. Special prayers were also offered at mosques for the country’s peace, solidarity, prosperity and progress.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held at federal, provincial, divisional and district headquarters across the country. Buildings, streets, markets and public places were decorated with national flags, buntings and colourful lights, giving cities and towns a festive look.
A special flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad today to mark Independence Day. Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gillani was the chief guest on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, he paid tribute to the leaders who took part in the Pakistan Movement. The Chairman Senate laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha for the high ranks of the departed souls who played their role in the creation of Pakistan.
On the occasion of Independence Day, flag-hoisting ceremonies were held at General Headquarters and all headquarters of the Armed Forces. During the ceremonies, the national flags were hoisted, and the national anthem was played.
On the occasion, rich tributes were paid to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the defense, security and sovereignty of Pakistan.
A flag hoisting ceremony was also held at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi hoisted the flag on the occasion.
Another flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Federal Constitutional Court in Islamabad.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court, Justice Amin-ud-Din, said that Pakistan came into being as a result of immense sacrifices and stressed the need to educate younger generations about the struggle and sacrifices that led to the country’s creation.
A special flag hoisting ceremony also held in the premises of Islamabad High Court to mark the Independence Day.
Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court, Justice Sarfaraz Dogar hoisted the national flag.
Senior Judges, members of the High Court Bar Association, District Bar Association and other concerned officials attended the flag hoisting ceremony.
In Lahore, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Governor House to mark Independence Day.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan hoisted the national flag.
Representatives of the U.S., Chinese, and Iranian consulates attended the ceremony and cut the Independence Day cake with the Governor.
In Sindh, the main Independence Day ceremony was the Change of Guards ceremony at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in Karachi, where cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy assumed ceremonial guard duties.
Commandant of the Pakistan Naval Academy Rear Admiral Muhammad Umair was the chief guest at the ceremony.
Later, Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited Mazar-e-Quaid, hoisted the national flag, laid a floral wreath, and offered Fateha.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Governor House, Peshawar, to mark Independence Day.
Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi hoisted the national flag at Governor House.
Speaking on the occasion, he extended heartfelt congratulations to all Pakistanis on the eve of Independence Day.
He paid tribute to the officers and personnel of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, and other security forces who have made sacrifices for the province and the country.
The Iranian Consul General also attended the flag-hoisting ceremony.
Later, Faisal Karim Kundi, along with the Iranian Consul General, cut a cake to mark Independence Day.
In Balochistan, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Provincial Assembly in Quetta today.
Addressing the flag-hoisting ceremony, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said those who have pushed Baloch youth into a futile war through terrorism are destined for certain defeat.
The Chief Minister said the provincial government is taking concrete steps to integrate the youth across the province into the national mainstream.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Gilgit.
Chief Minister Amjad Hussain hoisted the national flag.
On the occasion, special prayers were offered for the peace and prosperity of the country.
Rawalpindi Women University also marked Pakistan’s Independence Day in a befitting manner.
A special flag hoisting ceremony was held at the premises of the University where Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Tayyaba Zarif hoisted the national flag.
