ISLAMABAD: The nation is celebrating Independence Day Friday with renewed resolve to work with the spirit of Pakistan Movement to make the country a true Islamic welfare state and to follow the golden principles of Pakistan’s founding father – Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The day dawned with 31-gun salute in Islamabad – the Federal Capital – and 21-gun salute in the provincial headquarters. Prayers were offered for security and progress of Pakistan and well-being of the people. National flag is being hoisted at all important public and private buildings.

Flag hoisting ceremonies were held at the President House and the provincial, divisional and district headquarters level throughout the country. Public and private buildings as well as streets, bazaars and markets have been profusely illuminated.

National flags, buntings, portraits of founding fathers, posters and banners are also seen everywhere as part of the celebration of Independence Day.

The main feature of the celebrations was the national flag hoisting ceremony at the President House Islamabad during the day. President Dr. Arif Alvi was the chief guest on the occasion.

Dr. Arif Alvi said while addressing the ceremony, “Pakistani nation faced numerous challenges after independence and learnt a lot through difficult times. Pakistan gave a message of peace in reply to Indian aggression and sacrificed thousands of lives in fight against terrorism.”

Dr. Arif Alvi paid tribute to Prime Minister Imran Khan for not imposing complete lockdown to counter the coronavirus pandemic. Partial lockdown was enforced by the premier considering the poor, he added.

Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Information Minister Shibli Faraz, federal ministers and special assistants were present on the occasion.

Graceful change of guards ceremonies were held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Poet of the East Allama Iqbal.

Cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy took over guard duties at the Quaid’s Mausoleum in an exquisite ceremony.

Likewise, an elegant Change of Guards ceremony was also observed at Iqbal’s Mausoleum in Lahore where a contingent of the Pakistan Army (Sindh Regiment) took over guard duties from the Rangers.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) 10 Infantry Division, Lahore Major General Muhammad Aniq Ur Rehman Malik was the chief guest on the occasion. He laid floral wreath, offered Fateha at the tomb and recorded his impressions in the visitor’s book.

IIOJK celebrates Pakistan’s Independence Day

In Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), people are celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day as Thanksgiving Day with great enthusiasm, devotion and respect while they will mark India’s Independence Day on Saturday as Black Day.

Call for observance of the Thanksgiving Day and Black Day has been given by All Parties Hurriyat Conference and supported by various Hurriyat leaders and organizations.

The APHC in a statement in Srinagar maintained that Pakistan has always supported the Kashmiris’ just struggle for securing their right to self-determination. It appealed to the people to observe complete shutdown on Indian Independence Day on Saturday.

Hundreds of posters released by Warseen-e-Shuhada Jammu and Kashmir and Tehreek-e-Azadi Jammu and Kashmir across the occupied territory have asked the people to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day as ‘Jashn-e-Azadi’ and observe India’s Independence Day as Black Day.