Karachi turns green and white

As the nation prepares to mark its 79th Independence Day, Karachi is wearing its most patriotic colours. From major thoroughfares and bustling markets to quiet neighbourhood streets, the city has been draped in green and white, with flags fluttering, lights glowing and national songs echoing through the streets as the city gets ready to celebrate August 14.

The day will begin with a 21-gun salute in Karachi, along with 31-gun salutes in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals. The ceremonial salutes will begin with the recitation of the Holy Quran, while after Fajr prayers, special prayers will be offered at mosques across the city for the country's security, prosperity, unity and progress.

The heart of the city's Independence Day celebrations will be the solemn ceremony at the Mazar-e-Quaid, where the national flag will be hoisted and a smartly turned-out contingent from the Pakistan Naval Academy will assume guard duties this year. Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, members of the provincial cabinet and senior civil and military officials are expected to attend the ceremony. They will pay their respects at the mausoleum, honour Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the martyrs of the Pakistan Movement, and offer Fateha for the security and prosperity of the country.

The mausoleum will continue to draw visitors throughout the day, with political and religious leaders as well as citizens expected to pay their respects to the founder of the nation. Away from the solemnity of the mausoleum, Karachi's streets have taken on a festive character. Major roads, markets and neighbourhoods have been decorated with colourful bunting, national flags and strings of lights.