Pakistan Independence Day: Celebrations and reflections

WEB DESK: Citizens across Pakistan marked the country’s 78th Independence Day on Wednesday (today) with widespread enthusiasm and national spirit.

The day began with special prayers for national development and unity during the Fajr prayer. In Islamabad and other provincial capitals, gun salutes were conducted. A 31-gun salute was fired in the federal capital, and a 21-gun salute in each provincial capital.

Read more: Army chief marks Independence Day with call for national unity

Across major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Multan, festivities included songs, green flags, lights, and fireworks.

The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul hosted an Independence Parade, featuring a march by cadets. At midnight, the flag was unfurled, the national anthem was sung, and tributes were paid to the martyrs.

In Lahore, Greater Iqbal Park saw a display of fireworks accompanied by a laser light show. Karachi’s Port Grand and Governor House also featured fireworks, drawing large crowds.

Islamabad’s F-9 Park showcased a spectacular fireworks display, with a kilometer-long national flag hoisted in Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar. Quetta’s Nawab Akbar Bugti Stadium and Peshawar’s Governor House also hosted fireworks events.

Messages from national leaders

In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the nation, while calling for national unity, integrity, and economic stability.

He urged the use of Pakistan’s resources for public welfare and called for fulfilling public aspirations and investing in youth and women. He also remembered the struggles of Kashmiris and Palestinians for their rights and self-determination.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif “honoured” the sacrifices of the nation’s founders and other unsung heroes of the Pakistan Movement.

Read more: Zardari calls for unity and development on Independence Day

He acknowledged the challenges Pakistan faces, including inflation, unemployment, and debt, and stressed the need for economic growth and stability.

Shehbaz praised the courage and resilience of the Pakistani people, commended the armed forces for their role in national defense, and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Kashmiris and Palestinians.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve education, digitise the economy, and expand the tax base, aiming for economic stability and prosperity.