A large number of government and non-governmental organisations held events across Islamabad and Rawalpindi to mark the 75th Independence Day.
The main flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, which was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as ministers and parliamentarians.
With many buildings already decked out in colourful lights, in the national colours of green and white, several celebrations were organised in twin cities to mark the occasion.
As soon as the clock struck 12 Sunday, citizens marked the Independence Day through aerial firing, firecrackers and illuminations.
People thronged public places such as parks and markets on the weekend, which led to traffic snarl-ups at various points.
As the premier and other dignitaries were attending the flag-hoisting ceremony at Convention Centre in the morning, people heading to Murree had to remain trapped in traffic jams owing to measures taken by the police.
Most of the roads leading to Murree were blocked off, with police warning to only allow those with proof of hotel bookings to pass through.
A large number of public thronged parks and other places to celebrate Independence Day. Throughout the day and night one could see cars adorned with the national flag zooming on the main roads, and ‘biker boys’ roaming the streets while wheeling, making driving a heart-stopping experience.
Groups of youngsters continued to create, nuisance by hurdling the flow of traffic on the eve of Independence Day. Such nuisance was created by motorbike riders who had removed the silencers from their two-wheelers to create noise despite a ban imposed on the move by the capital administration.
The twin cities’ administration had asked traffic police officials to strictly implement the ban, but youngsters rode motorbikes in groups without wearing helmets and without silencers mocked the ban imposed by city administrators.
Educational institutions under the aegis of the Federal Directorate of Education celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm and fervour. Various activities were organised at the institutions to mark the occasion.
The celebrations took place with high spirits at Islamabad Model College for Boys H-9, Islamabad Model College for Girls I-8/3, Islamabad Model Postgraduate College of Commerce H-8/4, Islamabad Model College for Girls (Postgraduate) F-7/2, at Islamabad Model College for Girls (Postgraduate) G-10/4 and several other schools and colleges. IMCG Humak, IMCG Bhara Kahu, IMCG I-14/3 and IMCB Sihala also arranged various events in connection with Independence Day.
The 75th independence of Pakistan was celebrated with great zeal at the Government Viqar-un-Nisa College.
Rawalpindi Commissioner Nur-ul-Amin Mengal hoisted the national flag, the Punjab police team, presented a salute and students sang the national anthem and presented tableaus.
The speakers said that Pakistan was the fruit of innumerable sacrifices of our elders and its protection and development are the primary responsibility of every citizen of Pakistan.
They said that on the 75th Independence Day of the country, “let's renew our commitment that we will sacrifice ourselves and our finances for the sake of our country”. The ceremony concluded with cake-cutting.
Celebrating the 75th Independence Day with national spirit, a flag hoisting ceremony and a seminar was held at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi with the renewal to make the country strong, prosperous and invincible through its own resources, solidarity, honesty and hard work on Sunday. Vice-Chancellor Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman said that freedom was a great blessing which could be gauged from the miserable plight of Muslims living in India, Kashmir and Palestine.
Eye-catching fireworks were displayed at the International Islamic university in connection with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the country. Independence Day of Pakistan at IIUI commenced with a grand firework display outside the administration block on Saturday night. Participants of the event were seen proudly carrying the national flag, with many dressed in flag-themed costumes with faces painted in green and white colours.
A flag-raising ceremony was also held at National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) headquarters as well as at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) head office.
A ceremony was held at Rescue 1122 headquarters station Rawalpindi to mark Independence Day. Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi had set up special rescue posts at parks and important places. The purpose of establishing a special rescue post was to provide a sense of security to the people.
The 75th Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at the Central Jail Adiala in Rawalpindi with a flag hoisting ceremony. A special ceremony was also organised for the prisoners, who presented national songs and delivered speeches. Sweets were also distributed among the inmates.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2022.
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