The nation has begun celebrating Independence Day with national zeal and fervour, renewing its pledge to uphold the spirit of the Pakistan Movement and work towards transforming the country into a true Islamic welfare state. A grand Independence Day programme is being held at Yaadgar-e-Fatah in Islamabad. The colourful celebrations showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, national spirit, and remarkable journey since independence.
The Yaadgar-i-Fatah monument, constructed in honour of Pakistan’s martyrs and to commemorate Marka-i-Haq, was formally inaugurated in Islamabad on Thursday night by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on the eve of the country’s Independence Day.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the inauguration ceremony. The dignitaries paid tribute to the nation’s martyrs and stood respectfully as the national anthem was performed by a military band. Several senior military officers, government officials, and other distinguished guests were also present at the ceremony.
The day begins with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute at the provincial headquarters. Special prayers will also be offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for the peace, solidarity, and prosperity of the country. Streets, highways, buildings, and other public spaces are being beautifully decorated, while children, young people and women are showing great enthusiasm for the celebrations.
Large numbers of citizens are purchasing national flags, buntings, badges, green shirts, and other Independence Day items, leading to increased activity and crowds in markets. In Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, and Peshawar, the colour green is prominent throughout the markets as people shop for green crescent flags, national flags, and other decorative items. ISPR has released a national song, “Mera Pyara Watan Pakistan,” on the occasion of Independence Day. The lyrics of the song reflect deep love for the motherland and national unity.
In Balochistan, as well as across the country, government and private buildings are being decorated with national flags as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
The national flags of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia are also being displayed in appreciation of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by the three countries. The flags of the three nations have been hoisted on the LEAs Building, creating a striking sight alongside the illumination of candles and decorative lights.
In connection with the Independence Day celebrations, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti and Industries and Crafts Minister Sardar Kohyar Khan Domki issued special instructions for the decorations. In accordance with these directives, the national flags of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye were hoisted on the LEAs Building by its Managing Director, Liaquat Kashani. The building, surrounding trees, and road have also been decorated with electric lights, symbolising the friendship, brotherhood, and solidarity among the three countries.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti has announced that a world-class calligraphy exhibition titled ‘Operation Bunyan um Marsoos’ will be held in Quetta in May next year. Renowned calligraphers and artists from across the Islamic world, Türkiye, and other countries are expected to participate, while the Balochistan government will sponsor the international event. The Chief Minister expressed these views while addressing the inauguration of the “Rasool-e-Rahmat” calligraphy exhibition in Quetta. He said that holding such an event on August 14, during August, sends a strong message to the people of Pakistan that Balochistan has both the capacity and determination to host world-class events.
On the other hand, Lahore Traffic Police has begun making arrangements for Independence Day. Chief Traffic Officer Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi has directed that the national flag be displayed on all government vehicles and motorcycles, while national and departmental flags will be hoisted on government buildings. He said additional traffic personnel would be deployed at historical sites and recreational areas to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain law and order.
Special measures are also being taken against one-wheeling, road rage, reckless and zigzag driving, and illegal racing. Cases will be registered against individuals involved in road rage, blocking roads, removing motorcycle baffles or silencers, and other violations. Those caught performing one-wheeling will also face legal action, while motorcycle mechanics involved in illegally modifying motorcycles will be dealt with under the law.
Temporary checkpoints will be established at various locations on Independence Day to control reckless drivers and prevent violations. In cases where individuals under the age of 18 are found driving, the relevant motorcycle, vehicle, or rickshaw will be impounded for three days.
