Grand ceremony tonight to mark Marka-e-Haq, I-Day celebrations

ISLAMABAD: A grand ceremony marking Independence Day and the historic victory in the “Marka-e-Haq” against India will be held tonight at Jinnah Sports Stadium.

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and heads of the three armed forces will also attend.

The event will feature national and cultural performances, a military parade, an air show, and a special band performance by the Army School of Music.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also unveil the “Marka-e-Haq” monument during the ceremony.

Military contingents from Turkiye and Azerbaijan will participate in the celebrations.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on PTV.

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ROADS CLOSURES ON THE OCCASION

Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has announced a detailed traffic plan for August 13 and 14 in connection with the national Marka-e-Haq celebrations and Independence Day celebrations at the Sports Complex, Islamabad.

According to the plan, the Srinagar Highway from Serena Underpass to Zero Point will remain closed in both directions, while heavy traffic will be barred from entering Islamabad and Rawalpindi from 3 p.m. on August 13 until 5 p.m. on August 14.

Other roads to remain closed during the events 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.

Traffic diversions will be in place at Zero Point, Serena Hotel, and Khayaban-e-Suharwardy for both incoming and outgoing traffic.

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Alternative routes include Jinnah Avenue, Embassy Road, Serena Globe Chowk, Bhara Kahu, and Murree. Motorists using the Expressway can access Kashmir Chowk and proceed towards Murree, while entry into Islamabad will be possible from Ninth Avenue to Srinagar Highway.

Traffic from Murree will be able to reach Rawalpindi and Islamabad via Kashmir Chowk and Faizabad. Garden Avenue will remain closed from 3 p.m. on August 13.

CTO Capt (R) Syed Zeeshan Haider has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel towards Shakarparian, display event stickers on the left side of their vehicle windscreens, carry CNICs and invitation cards, and follow all security measures.

He reiterated that cameras, mobile phones, handbags, motorcycles, bicycles, and CNG-fitted vehicles will not be permitted inside, and entry will be allowed only to invited guests at the Sports Complex.