SPECIAL REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan celebrated its 77th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and national pride on Wednesday. The country’s festivities began at midnight with fireworks lightening up the night sky, symbolizing the nation’s joy and unity.
Earlier on Tuesday (August 13) dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in the provincial headquarters. Special prayers were offered in mosques for peace, solidarity, and prosperity of the country.
The highlight of the Independence Day celebrations is the national flag-hoisting ceremony in Islamabad, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Similar flag-hoisting ceremonies were conducted at provincial, divisional, and district headquarters across the country.
At 7:58 a.m., sirens sounded nationwide, signaling the start of the grand flag-hoisting event scheduled for 8 a.m. Change of guard ceremonies also took place at the mausoleums of Allama Iqbal in Lahore and Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi.
Earlier, the Capital city hosted a grand event in F-9 park to celebrate the nation’s independence where recent Paris Olympics Champion 2024 and gold medalist Arshad Nadeem also came as a special guest.
Moreover, in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, spectacular fireworks displays were enjoyed by crowds. At the same time, public and private buildings are decorated with vibrant lights and the green crescent flag, embodying Pakistan’s identity and aspirations.
The Federal Capital displayed spectacular light shows, Private and Governmental buildings were decorated with national colors ( white and green). Civilians gathered on the roads to show their respect and dignity towards their country.
In Karachi, people gathered at the beach, and Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan in Greater Iqbal Park hosted a lively musical event, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Cultural and historical landmarks across the country were central to the day’s celebrations.
In Abbottabad, the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul held a dignified Independence Parade, with Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir as the chief guest. The cadets’ impressive drill demonstrated respect for the martyrs who fought for the nation’s freedom.
Karachi also hosted a major event titled “Fard Nahi Qoom Hain Hum” (We Are a Nation, Not Individuals) at the Sindh Governor House. The venue was beautifully illuminated, and a 1,000-pound cake was cut to mark the occasion.
The UAE Consulate in Karachi participated in the celebrations with a ceremony recognizing achievements, where notable figures such as Asifa Bhutto Zardari and Faryal Talpur were present.
Peshawar’s Governor House held an Azadi Night Music Ceremony, attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Even smaller towns like Toba Tek Singh joined in, with a local fireworks display organized by the district administration.
The day was also observed in AJK and Gilgit Baltistan.
The nationwide celebrations highlighted Pakistan’s unity and commitment to progress, honoring the sacrifices made for independence and celebrating the country’s achievements over the past 77 years.
Pakistanis are showcasing their patriotism across the country today. The fireworks show will be witnessed today in major cities of Pakistan in late evening. Where people can enjoy the national festivity.
