ISLAMABAD, AUG 14 (DNA) — The nation celebrated the 76th Independence Day today (Monday) with renewed resolve to work with the spirit of Pakistan Movement to make the country a true Islamic welfare state.
The day commenced with special prayers for the country’s prosperity and unity. A 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in all provincial capitals were made as a tribute to the country that has weathered many a storm.
The country then resounded with sirens at 7:58am, heralding the grand flag-hoisting ceremony at 8am. Mosques across the country reverberated with early morning prayers for prosperity, solidarity, and peace.
A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Islamabad’s Convention Centre to commemorate the Independence Day.
President Dr Arif Alvi unfurled the national flag and later addressed the gathering. It was followed by the recitation of National Anthem.
The ceremony was attended amongst others by Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.
Separately, different public and private departments hold special functions and activities, including seminars, discussion programmes, photographic exhibitions, painting, poetry, national songs and debate competitions with the focus on acknowledging the contribution of leaders of the Pakistan Movement and sacrifices of national heroes.
Similarly, private and public educational institutions also hold different activities, including quiz and speech competitions, functions and sessions to educate the students about the historical struggle for the creation of Pakistan.
Overseas Pakistanis living around the world also celebrated the Independence Day with equal fervour and passion. They organize cultural events, flag hoisting ceremonies, and rallies to show their love and loyalty for the homeland.
The significance of Independence Day goes beyond the celebration of national pride and patriotism. It is a day to remember the struggles and sacrifices of forefathers who fought for our independence.
It is also a reminder of the responsibility we as a nation have to preserve and protect our independence by working towards the progress and prosperity of our nation.
The Independence Day of Pakistan is a day of great historical significance and national pride. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by forefathers for the independence of beloved homeland.
The federal capital and all major and small cities have already turned into green and white colours with a large number of Jashan-e-Azadi stalls carrying dresses, flags, bunting, pin badges, toys and other decorative accessories to attract youngsters and children.
Since the Independence Day celebrations have become a sort of a festival in the country, different brands, online retailers, eateries, cab-hailing services and even electronics companies offered exciting discount offers, adding more charm to the festivity.
Special prayers were offered in mosques at dawn for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country.
All the major roads and avenues of the federal capital, like other cities, were decorated with flags, banners and buntings to present a festive look. The major public and private buildings in the city also illuminated to mark this important occasion.
The print and electronic media highlighted the services of Pakistan Movement heroes on the day and paid tributes to their extraordinary contributions to making Pakistan a reality. Literary and cultural organizations also chalked out a number of programmes to mark the day.
Pakistan Independence Day is a day of great significance for the people of Pakistan. It is a day to celebrate the country’s freedom and honour the sacrifices made by its founding fathers.
The day is marked with patriotic fervour, showcasing the country’s rich culture, traditions, and achievements. It is a day to renew commitment to the country’s ideals and work towards making Pakistan a prosperous and peaceful nation.
President Dr Arif Alvi and former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation on Independence Day.
Dr Alvi and Shehbaz Sharif urged the Pakistani nation to forge unity among their ranks and believe in themselves to chart the way forward and work wholeheartedly for development of the country.
In their separate messages on the occasion of the Independence Day of the country, being celebrated today, they congratulated all compatriots on the 76th Independence Day anniversary.
“There is a need for unity to cope with the social, political, economic and security challenges. So, let’s resolve that we will not hesitate to offer any sacrifice for the security, prosperity and development of the country,” the president said.
Alvi said on August 14 the nation paid tributes to the sacrifices rendered by their founding fathers and workers of the Pakistan Movement. “This day also gives the opportunity for introspection,” he added.
“It is a time to renew our commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan as envisioned by the Father of the Nation. I urge my fellow countrymen to work for welfare and uplift of deprived sections of our society.”
The president called for upholding the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, forgiveness, socio-economic justice and moral and ethical values, as enunciated by Islam.
On this important day, Alvi said, Pakistanis should also remember their oppressed brothers and sisters in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), facing Indian atrocities for decades.
“We stand with our Kashmiri brethren and assure them of unwavering and continued political, diplomatic and moral support for their legitimate right to self-determination,” he reiterated.
Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the occasion, stressed that Pakistan in the last seven and a half decades faced the worst natural disasters, conflicts and wars, but always managed to build back better.
“All along the way, we have jealously guarded the gift of freedom that we so passionately prize. The 14th of August is more than just a date; it is a symbol of the Pakistani nation’s resilience, courage and commitment to freedom.”
As the nation commemorates this day, Shehbaz said, it was an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the past, celebrate the achievements of the present, and envision a brighter future for our people.
“On this day, let us remember the sacrifices of our forefathers” – who established a glorious example of commitment and devotion to the cause of Pakistan – and pledge to “uphold the values that define our great nation,” he said.
The prime minister emphasised that unity was one of the most remarkable aspects of Pakistan’s independence that emerged from a diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and ethnicities.
Second, he added, no obstacle was too insurmountable to be overcome if a person was driven by a deep sense of purpose. “Self-belief ignites the imagination of nations and powers their journey towards the destination.”
In the end, the prime minister reiterated that Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with the oppressed people of IIOJK, who were waging a struggle for their right to self-determination.
“We call upon the international community and human rights organisations to take note of the rights abuses in IIOJK. Our stance remains firm, advocating for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in line with the UN resolutions,” he stressed. — DNA
