Pakistan marks its 76th Independence Day

Pakistan marks its 76th Independence Day on Monday, Aug 14.

Pakistani are celebrating independence day with patriotic zeal and traditional fervour, with commemorative ceremonies being held in cities across the country.

The day started with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in the provincial headquarters.

To reflect on the monumental feat achieved 76 years ago, a number of public and private sector departments are also hosting a range of special functions and activities, including seminars, discussions, photographic exhibitions, artistic displays of paintings and poetry, national song renditions, and vibrant debate competitions.

A main flag hoisting ceremony was also held at Convention Center in Islamabad where President Dr Arif Alvi was the chief guest while Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and former National Assembly speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf were also in attendance, Radio Pakistan reported.

Addressing the ceremony, President Alvi called for Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s message of “unity, faith, and discipline” to be truly followed. He expressed confidence that Pakistan could become a developed country in a few years.

Change of guard ceremonies were held at Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi and Mazar-i-Iqbal in Lahore.

President Arif Alvi congratulated people on Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day anniversary in a message shared on social media.

“On this day, we pay tribute to the sacrifices rendered by our founding fathers and workers of the Pakistan Movement,” the president wrote.

“The stories of those people, who faced hardships, endured oppression, and braved immense challenges to reach Pakistan, serve as a source of inspiration for our future generations,” he wrote, adding that the sacrifices of our forefathers should be valued.

“76 years ago, on this day, Pakistan gained independence after the historic struggle of the Muslims of the sub-continent under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

“The Muslims of India wanted a homeland for themselves where they could freely order their individual and collective lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam. This day marks the culmination of a democratic and political struggle in our quest for freedom from colonial rule,” Mr President wrote.

“We should reflect on the nation’s progress so far, prevailing challenges, and opportunities for growth. It is a time to renew our commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan as envisioned by the Father of the Nation.”

He then urged people to pledge to uphold the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, forgiveness, socio-economic justice, and moral and ethical values, as enunciated by Islam.

“On this important day, let’s also remember our oppressed brothers and sisters in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), facing Indian atrocities for decades.”