Karachi’s Sea View cleared for Independence Day celebrations, fireworks at midnight

KARACHI: The residents of Karachi will be able to celebrate Independence Day at Sea View, with the area and adjoining roads set to remain open for the public, SSP South Mahzoor Ali said.

A musical concert will be held at Nishan-e-Pakistan at Sea View as part of the Independence Day celebrations, while a fireworks display is scheduled for midnight. The SSP said the traffic and district police are jointly working on a security and traffic management plan to facilitate visitors and maintain order during the celebrations.

Police will take action against hooliganism, aerial firing and motorcycle riders who remove their silencers, the officer warned. Additional police personnel will also be deployed at Sea View, adjoining routes and the Red Zone as part of the security arrangements.

Last year, Karachi marked Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day with widespread patriotic celebrations across the city. Major landmarks were decorated in green and white, while residents, particularly children and young people, joined festivities featuring national songs, flags and traditional celebrations.

The day began with a 21-gun salute and special prayers for the country’s peace and prosperity. At Mazar-i-Quaid, Pakistan Naval Academy cadets took over ceremonial guard duties, while Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Governor Muhammad Kamran Tessori and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the mausoleum, hoisted the national flag and laid floral wreaths.

A major attraction was the 10th Freedom Drive organised by the Motor Club of Pakistan and Antique Cars Museum of Pakistan. The rally featured vintage cars, heavy bikes and other decorated vehicles and travelled from Frere Hall to Mazar-i-Quaid.

Educational institutions across Karachi also held flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and award ceremonies. Universities and schools marked the occasion with national songs, cake-cutting and tributes to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

The city also witnessed official ceremonies at the Sindh Assembly, Pakistan Airports Authority and Motorway Police, while Pakistan Railways’ Karachi Division recorded 14 freight train departures on the day.