Pakistan celebrates 76 years of independence
The nation is celebrating its 76th Independence Anniversary today (Monday) with utmost national fervour.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute at the federal capital and a 21-gun salute at the provincial headquarters.
Special prayers were offered in mosques for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country.
A one-minute silence was observed throughout the country with the sounding of sirens to herald the flag-hoisting ceremony at nine in the morning.
A change of guards ceremony was held at the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi in the morning as well.
A smartly turned out contingent of cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy assumed the charge.
Similarly, a change of guard ceremony took place at the Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore where Punjab Rangers handed over guard duties to the Pakistan Army.
President, PM felicitate nation
President Dr Arif Alvi and outgoing prime minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages on Independence Anniversary extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation.
In his message, the president urged the nation to pledge on this day to uphold the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, forgiveness, socioeconomic justice, and moral and ethical values, as enunciated by Islam.
He said the stories of those people, who faced hardships, to reach Pakistan, serve as a source of inspiration for our future generations.
PM Shehbaz said, “The day holds a special significance in our hearts, for this historic day saw an unprecedented freedom struggle culminating in the establishment of the State of Pakistan.”
He paid homage to the Quaid-i-Azam’s visionary leadership and other leaders without whom the dream of Pakistan could not see the light of day.
The prime minister said that as we celebrate the 76th Independence Anniversary today, we need to summon the spirit that marked the independence movement and employ the lesson of unity and self-belief to chart the way forward.
He vowed to stand in complete solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and provide political, moral, and diplomatic support to them.
