Web desk: Pakistan marked its 78th Independence Day with prayers, tributes and ceremonies across the country.
The day began after Fajr prayers with Quran recitations and special prayers in mosques for the country’s safety, progress and unity. Religious scholars spoke about the blessing of freedom and stressed that protecting it needs national unity and a spirit of sacrifice.
In Islamabad, 31 gun salutes were fired, while 21 gun salutes took place in each provincial capital. The Pakistan Army’s smartly dressed units shouted “Allahu Akbar” as the guns fired, sending a message of readiness and determination to defend the nation’s sovereignty and honour.
In Karachi, the main ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, where cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy took over guard duties.
This annual tradition on August 14 is a military tribute to the founder of Pakistan. Commodore Tasawar Iqbal, the Commandant of the Pakistan Naval Academy, was the chief guest, while the parade was led by Lieutenant Samiullah.
Cadets performed an impressive march past before the Commandant laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered prayers.
Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad began with a grand ceremony at Jinnah Sports Stadium, attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir. The event also marked the nation’s victory in Marka-e-Haq.
President Zardari was the chief guest, with the prime minister, the heads of the three armed forces, parliament members, federal ministers, and a large number of citizens present.
Among those attending were First Lady Aseefa Bhutto and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, along with national and foreign dignitaries.
The ceremony included cultural performances, a parade by the three armed forces, and an impressive fly past. A combined military band, along with contingents from the Pakistan Army, Navy, Air Force, Punjab Rangers, and FC Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, took part in a spectacular march past.
As part of the celebrations for the victory in Marka-e-Haq, the prime minister unveiled the Marka-e-Haq Monument during the event.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also congratulated Pakistan on its 78th Independence Day.
He also highlighted America’s deepening ties with Pakistan on the occasion of the nation’s Independence Day on August 14.
An official statement was released on the official website of the United States Government.
“On behalf of the United States, I extend our warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14,” the statement read.
The statement further read that the United States greatly values Pakistan’s cooperation in counterterrorism and trade.
It stated, “We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships which will promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis.”
Google has celebrated Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day with a special doodle on its homepage for users in the country.
If you click on the doodle, you will be taken to search results highlighting the day’s significance. Including historical accounts of Pakistan’s creation, patriotic songs, videos, updates, and news reports.
Read more: Google marks Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day with special doodle
