Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, addressing the media on Pakistan’s 73rd Independence Day, called for standing in solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and keeping the issue alive in the global consciousness.
They were talking to the media after laying floral wreaths at Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s mausoleum, where they also hoisted a flag.
Speaking on the occasion, Ismail said Prime Minister Imran Khan was determined to raise his voice against Indian government’s atrocities in IIOJK at every national and international forum, so that the issue was addressed and resolved.
Congratulating the nation on Independence Day and reminding it of the tireless struggles and sacrifices that led to its freedom, he said the spirit of that sacrifice was renewed as he hoisted the national flag. But, he added, “On this day, we should not forget our Kashmiri brethren.”
“Every Pakistani is standing with them in their struggle for independence,” he asserted, lambasting Indian authorities for keeping the valley under siege “in an open violation of human rights.”
The CM, also appealing to the international community to take notice of the Indian government’s savagery in IIOJK and take measures for “protecting the unarmed, innocent people of Kashmir from Indian tyranny and barbarism,” called for celebrating this Independence Day with simplicity.
“On one hand, Indian atrocities in Kashmir have crossed all limits, and on the other, the coronavirus pandemic has claimed [many] lives,” he remarked. “In such a situation, celebrations should be sombre and simple, as we highlight the agony spurred by a year-long curfew in Kashmir and the coronavirus escalation in Sindh.”
Celebrations
Meanwhile, people across Sindh celebrated Independence Day with enthusiasm and jubilation. While, the streets were seen crowded with people singing and dancing to the tunes of the national songs, students made passionate speeches and performed tableaus and at official events, police presented the guard of honour.
In Karachi, excited youth took to the streets waving flags from their vehicles, with few making concessions to Covid-19 precautions. “It’s our independence day. We want to show the world what it means to us,” said Ayyan, a young biker, while Sana, flaunting a new dress, said it was no less than Eid for Pakistanis.
Buildings in Hyderabad were lit up in bright colours and fireworks resounded through the air at Karachi’s Sea View beach. Hindu and Christian communities also organized events to celebrate the day and political and religious parties as well as local citizens took out dozens of joyous rallies.
However, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company did not spare consumers even on Independence Day as unscheduled outages were widely reported.
In Hyderabad, the main ceremony was held at the Hyderabad Development Authority’s secretariat.
Speaking at the flag-hoisting ceremony, Hyderabad deputy commissioner Fuad Ghaffar Soomro said, “Pakistan is a fruit of relentless struggle and sacrifices of this country’s elders,” adding the nation should also remember the ongoing struggle of the people of IIOJK.
Soomro said the citizens should make a vow on the day that they would play their role for the city’s development and beautification.
Also speaking on the occasion, Hyderabad Municipal Corporation mayor Syed Tayyab Hussain said it was high time the nation reflected where it stood after 73 years of independence.
Later, in a first, the DC inaugurated Hyderabad’s maiden street library under Shahbaz flyover. “The purpose of establishing this library is to develop [the public’s] interest in reading and to facilitate avid readers.”
Moreover, Independence Day activities took place at the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sindh, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology and Sindh Agriculture University, among other higher education institutions.
Official and unofficial celebratory events were also organised in Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah, Sukkur and Larkana divisions.
Karachi corps commander Lt Gen Humayun Aziz hoisted a large flag at a ceremony in Sukkur district, with organisers calling it the country’s second largest and Sindh’s largest flag, measuring 86 feet in length and 54 feet in width.
Speaking on the occasion, the corps commander said freedom was achieved after the sacrifice of millions of lives and “we will together protect this independence.”
At another ceremony, Mirpurkhas commissioner Abdul Waheed Shaikh said, “When we see the cruelty being meted out to Kashmir and Palestine’s people, we realise how important freedom is. We should value and protect this freedom.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2020.
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