Pakistanis celebrated their 74th Independence Day on August 14 with traditional fervor and enthusiasm across the country. Every year, the people celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day by participating in gatherings that highlight significance of independence, herald national flags on top of their homes, and offices national flags. Meanwhile, youngsters display national flags on cars, motorbikes and take round of roads and streets in cities and towns to express their happiness that Independence gave them. On 14th of August, 1947, Pakistan appeared on the world atlas after Partition of Hindustan.
Independence Day, observed annually on 14 August, is a national holiday in Pakistan, commemorating the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign nation, following the end of the British Raj in 1947. Pakistan came into existence as a result of the Pakistan Movement that aimed at the creation of an independent Muslim state by division of the north-western region of the South Asia and was led by All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The event was brought forth by the Indian Independence
Act 1947 in which the British Indian Empire gave independence to the Dominion of Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan) which included the West Pakistan (present Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
In the Islamic calendar, the day of independence coincided with Ramadan 27, the eve of which is regarded as sacred by Muslims. The main ceremony takes place in Islamabad, where the national flag is hoisted at the Presidential and Parliament buildings, which is followed by the national anthem, and live televised speeches by leaders. Usual celebratory events this day include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and the playing of patriotic songs. A number of award ceremonies are often held on this day, and citizens often hoist the national flag atop their homes or display it prominently on their vehicles and attire.
Every year on August 14th, Pakistan gets decked up in all its glory to celebrate its Independence Day with incredible pomp and show. Every Pakistani’s heartthrobs with a sentiment of patriotism and unity; and remembering the freedom fighters and great leaders like Quaid-e-Azam who made it possible for the Indian Muslims to live peacefully and independently in a separate motherland, today known as Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Independence Day (August 14th) holds extreme importance for every Pakistani national. Just a mention of this day saturates the psyches and spirits of the inhabitants with great self-esteem and patriotic elation. Flag-raising ceremonies, fireworks, parties, parades, marches, cultural events, and patriotic songs are a big part of the Pak Independence Day.
- The Pakistan’s Independence Day dawns with a 31 guns salute in Islamabad, the federal capital and 21 gun salute in all four provincial headquarters. Prayers are offered across the country, for its security, progress, development, and people’s wellbeing. Pakistan’s National Flag has hoisted at all private and public buildings.
- The main highlight of the Pakistan Independence Day celebrations is the National Flag hoisting ceremony at Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, with honorable President and Prime Minister as the chief guests of the event. They unfurl the national flag as the participants stand and sing together the national anthem.
- Similar flag hoisting ceremonies and independence special events are held at all provincial, divisional and district headquarters. The Pakistan Air Force put on a marvelous air show, with Pakistani, Saudi, and Turkish warrior planes flying over Islamabad as a huge number of onlookers watch from one of the city’s parks.
- The Pakistan Independence Day Parade, also known as the “Azadi Parade” is one of the major highlights of the day. The Azadi Parade is mostly held at Pakistan Military Academy Kakul.
- Karachi hosts the biggest Independence Special events and programmes, with a parade at the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the major climax of the day. Thousands of visitors pay respects to late Muhammad Ali Jinnah at his tomb in Karachi.
- The people of Pakistan celebrate 14th August with utmost enthusiasm, zeal, and fervor. The streets, towns, and houses are beautifully decorated with green and white lights and national flag pennants. Many public and private buildings, as well as streets and Bazars, are profusely illuminated. Posters, banners, and portraits of founding fathers are also seen everywhere as part of the Pakistan Independence Day celebration.
- The Pakistan Prime Minister delivers an incredible speech on this auspicious occasion addressing the nation and its citizens. The PM pays tribute to the ancient leaders of the Pakistan Independence Movement and all those brave sons of the soil who sacrificed their lives to win freedom for their country. The PM also lays emphasis on unity, strength, and hard work.
- Fireworks, exhibitions, game shows, and face painting are also a staple of Independence Day celebrations in Pakistan, with main events being held in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar.
