Cricket, concert and more: Sindh unveils grand plans for Independence Day celebrations

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced an elaborate schedule of events to celebrate Independence Day this year “in a more befitting manner than ever before.”

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, CM Sindh said the festivities would begin on August 1 and continue through August 14, following the federal government’s directives. “This year’s celebrations are not only about August 14, but also a moment to commemorate the success we achieved in May,” he added. The Sindh government has also organised a series of cultural and musical events. A grand concert featuring renowned Pakistani artists will be held at Karachi’s National Stadium on the night of August 13. Concerts are also scheduled for August 8 at Rani Bagh in Hyderabad and August 10 in Sukkur.

The Department of Culture will present a themed float at Sea View, and over 160 sporting events will take place across Sindh between August 1 and 14. Among these, a friendly cricket match between “Sindh Eleven” and “Mayor Eleven” is planned at Burhani Stadium — though, the chief minister jokingly noted he had not been included in either team.

Themed “Maarka-e-Haq” (Battle for Truth), various events will highlight national spirit and achievements, particularly the ongoing “Uraan Pakistan” programme aimed at economic revival, Shah said.

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Traditional tributes at the Quaid’s mausoleum on August 14 will continue, while additional cultural and public engagement activities are planned across the province. These include flag-hoisting ceremonies at all major public and private buildings, district-wide rallies, and decoration competitions for homes, vehicles, and offices, with prizes for the most vibrant displays.

As part of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, a boat race has been scheduled for August 9, while the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will host a concert and fireworks display at Jehangir Kothari Parade. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed his desire to ensure that Karachi’s events surpass those held anywhere else in Pakistan, noting that the business community is actively supporting the initiative. On August 11, an event will be held to mark National Minorities Day, and a full-day fair will be organised for persons with disabilities, which the chief minister himself plans to attend.

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The “My Karachi” event is also set to begin in the coming days, with the Sindh government participating. Artists will be encouraged to create patriotic art, and a national song competition is also planned. The government aims to organise a large-scale human formation of the national flag in an open ground, with the overall goal of celebrating all 14 days of August with full fervour and participation.