Geo Pakistan

Nation celebrates Independence Day with great enthusiasm

 ISLAMABAD: The nation observed 65th Independence Day throughout the country on Sunday with great fervor and simplicity. The day began with special prayers in mosques for the unity, solidarity and prosperity of the country.

The celebration began with a 31-gun salute at the Federal Capital and 21-gun salute at all the Provincial Headquarters. The national flags were hoisted on government and private buildings.

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani hoisted the national flag in a ceremony at 9:00am in Jinnah Convention Centre. The national anthem was also played on the occasion.

The prime minister felicitated the nation on its 65th Independence Day and paid tribute to the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and leaders of Pakistan Movement for providing a spirited leadership which created the world's first ideological state through democratic struggle.

Main events of the day included flag raising ceremonies, tributes to national heroes, changing of the guards at the mausoleum of Mazar-e-Quaid, Wagah Border ceremonies and musical concerts.

Government buildings were illuminated beautifully throughout the country and youngsters danced with joy and expressed their feelings. Jashan-e-Azadi rally carried out in Rawalpindi.

Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at provincial capitals where numerous events including seminars, conferences, lectures, debates, speech contests, exhibitions, quiz competitions etc in national as well as local languages were also held.

In Karachi, Governor, Dr.Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah along with members of cabinet visited mausoleum of Father of the Nation. They laid floral wreaths and offered fateha.

In Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta rallies were carried out at different places. Children and all others were dancing with joy on beats of Dhol expressing their love for their beloved country.

All the political parties also celebrated the historic day in a dignified manner by hoisting national and party flags.

Armed Forces joined the nation in celebrations and organised various events to celebrate the day. The other major cities also celebrated the Day with fervour.

Political agents in tribal areas organized programmes, keeping in view prevailing traditions and security environment.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the district administration involved councilors and public representatives to organize functions. (APP)