Sindh declares August 14 as public holiday

The Sindh government has declared August 14 as a public holiday to mark Pakistan's Independence Day, according to a notification.

The holiday will apply to all government offices, autonomous bodies, and corporations under the Sindh government's administrative control, except for essential services and departments engaged in rain emergency operations.

As the nation gears up for the 77th Independence Day, celebrations are being planned across the country, particularly in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The Islamabad Police have ramped up security measures to ensure the safety of citizens during the festivities.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Ali Raza chaired a meeting with key police officials to finalise security arrangements, including a crackdown on dangerous activities such as one-wheeling and the sale of vehicles with non-standard number plates.

In Rawalpindi, the Deputy Commissioner has imposed a ban on the sale and purchase of fireworks materials, including firecrackers, under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Authorities will monitor key markets to enforce the ban.

In Lahore, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has announced a series of events, including a spectacular fireworks display at Minar-i-Pakistan at midnight on 14 August.

The celebrations will also feature illuminations across the city and various activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness.

Meanwhile, Islamabad's district administration has banned the sale and use of toy horns and whistles for ten days ahead of Independence Day to prevent noise pollution and maintain public peace.

The ban, which is effective from 8 August, is being strictly enforced, with operations already underway to confiscate these items from vendors across the capital.