Change of guards, gun salute marks Pakistan's 71st birthday

Karachiites celebrate Independence Day with traditional zeal, fervour

KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy marked the 71st independence anniversary with a change of guard ceremony at Quaid's mausoleum on Tuesday.

As many as 48 Pakistan Naval Academy cadets assumed ceremonial guard duties at Mazar-e-Quaid.

Pakistan Naval Academy Commandant Commodore Waqar Muhammad was the chief guest and reviewed the guard.



The ceremonial guard mounting was followed by lying of floral wreath at the mausoleum by the chief guest on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, officers and men of the naval force.

The chief guest also offered Fateha and paid rich tribute to Jinnah.

The cadets of the academy perform ceremonial guard duties at the mausoleum on every August 14.

Speaking to the media after laying floral wreath and offering fateha at the Quaid's mazar, Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Fazalur Rehman said the father of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, had a dream to make Pakistan a welfare state.

He said he had come to pay respect to the father of the nation. "It was his [Jinnah's] struggle and leadership that we are an independent nation today," the CM said, adding that we have to work hard to make Pakistan a true welfare state.

Earlier, Rehman, along with acting Governor Agha Siraj Durani, performed the flag hoisting ceremony at the mazar and received Independence Day felicitation from the diplomats of different countries and civil society who attended the celebrations at the mausoleum. Rehman also planted a tree at the Mazar-e-Quaid garden.

The national anthem was played during the flag hoisting ceremony and all the guests and children from various schools sang the anthem. Clad in national dresses and school uniforms, the students hoisted a small flag during the ceremony. The CM lauded the children's national spirit.

Chief Secretary Azam Saleem Khan, Inspector-General Amjad Javed Saleemi and Karachi Commissioner Saleh Faruqi were present during the ceremony.

Among others who visited the mausoleum were Senate Deputy Chairperson Saleem Mandviwala, Sindh High Court Chief Justice Ahmed Ali Sheikh, Rangers Director-General Major General Muhammad Saeed and the Quaid's family.



A delegation of Muttahida Quami Movement - Pakistan, including Farooq Sattar, Amir Khan and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also offered Fateha.

After the official celebrations, the mausoleum was opened for citizens.

Various other activities including singing of the national anthem at naval units, PN Band Display and flag hoisting ceremony at Pakistan Maritime Museum, boat rallies at Karachi Harbour as well as sports fixtures were also a part of the day-long celebrations.

Independence Day celebrations at Pakistan Navy educational institutions were also organised where school children presented tableaus on national songs and declamation contests were held highlighting the importance of freedom.