ISLAMABAD: The Independence Day celebration kicked off in Islamabad with a grand event featuring President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir in attendance.
A special grand ceremony was held at Jinnah Sports Stadium in Islamabad in connection with Independence Day and victory in Marka-e-Haq.
President Asif Ali Zardari was the chief guest on the occasion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the heads of the three armed forces are also attending the ceremony.
Parliament members, federal ministers and a large number of citizens, including First Lady Aseefa Bhutto and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, also attended the event.
A large number of national and international dignitaries are also attended the ceremony. Special cultural performances were presented during the grand ceremony.
Parade by the three armed forces and a fly past were also part of the ceremony. The event featured a spectacular march past by a combined armed forces music band, Pakistan Army, Navy, Air Force, Punjab Rangers, and FC Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In celebration of the victory in Marka-e-Haq, the Prime Minister also unveiled Marka-e-Haq Monument during the event.
Military contingents from friendly countries Türkiye and Azerbaijan specially participated in the Independence Day grand celebrations.
During the grand ceremony, Pakistan military troops came together to form the national flag during the grand ceremony.
It is important to note here that Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) earlier announced road closures for 13 and 14 August. The Srinagar Highway, from Serena Underpass to Zero Point, will be closed in both directions. Heavy traffic will not be allowed into Islamabad and Rawalpindi from 3 p.m. on 13 August until 5 p.m. on 14 August.
Other closed routes include Murree Road via Shakarparian, Chand Tara Chowk, Garden Avenue I-8, I-8 Garden Bridge, G-7 Loop, and the Sports Complex turn on Murree Road.
Diversions will be set up at Zero Point, Serena Hotel, and Khayaban-e-Suharwardy.
Alternative routes include Jinnah Avenue, Embassy Road, Serena Globe Chowk, Bhara Kahu, and Murree. Motorists on the Expressway can use Kashmir Chowk to reach Murree. Entry into Islamabad will be possible from Ninth Avenue to Srinagar Highway.
Traffic from Murree can reach Rawalpindi and Islamabad via Kashmir Chowk and Faizabad. Garden Avenue will stay closed from 3 p.m. on 13 August.
CTO Capt (R) Syed Zeeshan Haider has asked citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Shakarparian. Event stickers must be placed on the left side of vehicle windscreens. CNICs and invitation cards are required for entry.
Cameras, mobile phones, handbags, motorcycles, bicycles, and CNG vehicles will not be allowed inside the venue. Entry will be only for invited guests.
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