LAHORE MIRROR (Web Desk) — Pakistan is celebrating its 79th Independence Day on Friday with national enthusiasm as ceremonies, prayers, flag-hoisting events and public gatherings are being held across the country.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered after Fajr for the security, progress and prosperity of the country.
In Karachi, a guard-changing ceremony was held at the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, where cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy assumed guard duties. Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also visited the mausoleum, laid wreaths and offered Fateha. They recorded their impressions in the guest book.
Governor Hashmi congratulated the nation on Independence Day and said Pakistan represented the fulfilment of the dreams of its founders. He urged young people to develop expertise in science and technology and play their role in the country’s progress.
Murad Ali Shah said Pakistan was achieved through immense sacrifices and called for unity and collective efforts to strengthen the country’s development, prosperity and stability. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to Pakistan’s sovereignty, security and development while stressing the need to follow the principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Independence Day celebrations are also taking place in Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and other cities. Government and private buildings, highways and important public locations have been decorated with national flags and green-and-white decorations.
Pakistan Zindabad
Rallies, flag-hoisting ceremonies and other activities are being organised across the country. Citizens are joining the celebrations by carrying national flags and wearing green and white clothing. Fireworks were also held in several cities overnight, with crowds chanting slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad.”
The Pakistan Armed Forces also extended Independence Day greetings to the nation and paid tribute to those whose sacrifices contributed to the creation of Pakistan.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, conveyed the Armed Forces’ message on the occasion.
The military leadership paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding fathers and all those who sacrificed for the establishment of Pakistan. It also acknowledged the sacrifices of martyrs, the services of veterans, the efforts of law enforcement personnel and the contributions of citizens who have served the country.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed their resolve to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold the Constitution and defend the country against all threats.
They also called for national unity, tolerance and social cohesion, urging citizens to renew their commitment to the principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline and work together for a secure, stable and prosperous Pakistan.
