Shahroz Sabzwari to Maya Ali, celebs mark 75th 'Jashn-e-Azadi' with love, music and prayers
Pakistanis are celebrating 75 years of Independence amid a deepening political crisis that has been taking a toll on its already struggling economy. In spite of the myriad of issues, many have come together to rejoice the feeling of living in a free state with renewed zeal and fervour.
Twitter and Instagram are full of patriotic posts and celebrities too, are in high spirits with many sharing videos and photos emblematic of their love for the homeland. Dressed in green and white attires, some are hoisting the crescent and star flag while others are sharing national songs, dress transitions and messages of hope. Some are simply wishing their fellow followers a happy Independence Day.
Here's looking at all the love that has been pouring in for Pakistan, from around Pakistan.
Shahroze Sabzwari was captured hoisting the Pakistani flag at a mall. He shared the photo, followed by a bunch of clicks with children and elders visiting the mall for what appears to have been a Jashan-e-Azadi event in spirit of the national holiday.
Actor Humayun Saeed sent a prayer. "On this Independence Day, Pakistan's 75th, my only prayer and wish is for our beloved country to come out of all the turmoils and challenges it's surrounded by. Whatever may be, may things turn out in Pakistan's favour. I don't want anything else. Pakistan hamesha Zindabad!"
Actor and host Ahsan Khan shared a photo with a group of kids too. Each held up adorable little jhandis posing next to the celebrity. Khan captioned the post with a stanza from Ye Watan Tumhara Hai. "Is Zameen Ki Matti Mein Khoon Hay Shaheedon Ka. Arz e Pak Markaz Hay Qoum Ki Ummidon Ka. Nazm o Zabt Ko Apna Mir e Karwaan Jano. Waqt Kay Andheron Mein Apna Aap Pehchaano."
Actor Mawra Hocane wished her “beautiful homeland” a happy 75th with a video featuring the national anthem of Pakistan. "Love you forever and ever!" she added.
Faisal Kapadia marked the occassion with a video featuring him singing to an audience at a Independence Day rally. Needless to say, he was in tune and patriotic as ever!
Actor Komal Rizvi paid homage to Pakistan with her mother and niece via a three-generational read of the national anthem. "I wish my nanijaan was alive today. That would've made it four generations.
Here is my angelic Mother, my beautiful niece and [I, reading] the anthem from our respective locations.
A [teeny-tiny] homage to our dear Pakistan, which is surviving still, despite the looters, greed and the vicious trials and tribulations," she captioned the post. Turn up the volume for this, folks!
TV host Shaista Lodhi shared a video message encouraging her followers to perform "small deeds" starting today, to give back to the country that has given them so much. “Let’s start with small deeds, respect the animals around you, avoid littering, plant a tree and take care of the environment," she suggested. And we agree.
While veteran actor Atiqa Odho expressed her desire to celebrate freedom by “promoting human rights in which respect, dignity and equality become a code for living." She shared a video of the late founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, urging Pakistanis to honour their freedom by exercising their rights, of which includes the right to practice one’s religion without fear.
Music producer Rohail Hyatt shared the much-awaited, re-recorded national anthem on his Twitter to announce, "And the National Anthem has been launched. Video made by the very talented team at Num films. Once again a warm thank you to everyone who participated in this re-recording," he tweeted. In another tweet, he detailed how proud he is to have been part of the venture. "Working with such a diverse group of individuals was certainly the highlight of my career. I pray the anthem helps to unite us as a nation because this is OUR anthem. Happy 75th anniversary!"
Actor Adnan Siddiqui also took to the micro-blogging site to pen, "Happy Independence Day to all Pakistanis across the world. May we continue to devote ourselves to the cause of nation building. Long live Pakistan! Aameen"
Renowned filmmaker Nabeel Qureshi shared a message from his recent film, Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad, which sees Fahad Mustafa asserting, "People will always remember the founder," to write, "Happy 75th Independence Day to everyone! Pakistan Zindabad!"
Screenwriter and director Vasay Chaudhry, on the other hand, acknowledged: "Happy Birthday Pakistan You have been your best but we haven't Thank You for the 75 years."
Designer Maheen Khan added, "Salaam Pakistan! 75 years you have held on despite being ravaged year after year. I salute you."
Actor Maya Ali shared a photo of herself dressed in white and green with a caption quoting Jinnah, "There is no power on earth that can undo Pakistan." She went on to write, "Let's make a promise to ourselves to be united forever for our country and for our next generations. Let’s appreciate everything we have and celebrate the great miracle of freedom. Azaad the hum Aur azaad rahein ge! Jashn-e-Pakistan."
Here's wishing everyone a happy Independence Day and may we all get to celebrate many more!
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