Pakistan celebrates 76th Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervour
- 14 Aug 2023
Tariq Butt, Correspondent
Pakistan celebrated 76 years of independence with traditional patriotic zeal and fervour, with commemorative ceremonies being held in cities across the country on Monday.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in the provincial headquarters. Change of guard ceremonies were also held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi and Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore.
A smartly turned out contingent of cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy assumed the charge in Karachi. The Punjab Rangers handed over guard duties to the Pakistan Army in Lahore.
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 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 National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf were also in attendance
President Alvi and outgoing prime minister Shahbaz 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.
"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,” the prime minister said.
He paid homage to the Quaid-e-Azam's visionary leadership and other leaders without whom the dream of Pakistan could not see the light of day. He said that as we celebrate the 76th Independence Anniversary, 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.
The military leadership urged the nation to preserve and strengthen peace, societal harmony and unity among the . "We should pledge on this day that irrespective of the challenges we face today, we will preserve and strengthen the peace, societal harmony and unity among the nation,” a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The Pakistan Army vowed to not let "inimical forces succeed, which are hell-bent to create fissures and division among the armed forces and the people of Pakistan.”
It resolved that with the support of the nation, the army would "always defend the territorial integrity and peace of the motherland and continue to serve the nation as per the aspirations of the people of Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the founder and chair of the US House’s Congressional Pakistan Caucus extended her well wishes to the country.
"It is with tremendous pride and honour that I recognise Pakistan's Independence Day," she said in a video message recognising the country's "resilience" in the face of adversity and devastating natural disasters. As chair of the US House’s Congressional Pakistan Caucus, I have travelled to Pakistan many times and saw with my own eyes the devastation of last year's monsoon rains, but I also saw the resilience of the Pakistani people in the wake of this devastation," she added before noting the aid and support extended to Pakistan by her government.
She also paid tribute to the Pakistani diaspora and their efforts in providing assistance to the flood affectees. "Still," she admitted, "there is more to be done. Millions have been displaced, lands are slow to recover and food and water supplies are dwindling; but we are committed to working together with Pakistan at this time".
"Our bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between the US and Pakistan are essential for maintaining regional security, strengthening democracy, improving opportunities for trade, education, women's empowerment and humanitarian relief," she said, "May God bless all of you. Happy Pakistan Independence Day. Pakistan Zindabad!"
