LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan celebrates its 77th Independence Day on August 14 (today), the nation is brimming with excitement and eager to pay tribute to the struggle of its forefathers and national heroes for a separate homeland. China is
President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) President Asif Ali Zardari and Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have congratulated the nation on the occasion of 77th Independence Day. Presented
The day began with special prayers for the country’s prosperity and unity, a befitting prayer for the turmoil on the political and economic fronts.
Apart from this, a 31-gun salute was fired in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute was fired in all the provincial capitals as a tribute to the country that faced many storms.
In a moving moment, the country then erupted with sirens at 7:58 a.m., announcing a grand flag-raising ceremony at 8 a.m.
A grand ceremony of changing of the guards was held at Mazar-i-Iqbal in Lahore and Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.
Mosques across the country echoed with early morning prayers for prosperity, unity and peace.
As the day is celebrated as a national holiday in the country, various public and private sector departments are set to host various special events and activities, including seminars, debates, photography exhibitions, paintings and poetry performances. Exhibitions, renditions of the national anthem, and lively debates to reflect on the monumental feat achieved 76 years ago.
Today’s theme will be to recognize the tireless services of the leaders of the Pakistan Movement and the sacrifices of national heroes and common people as they fought for independence and the right to self-determination at a time when the odds were against them. .
Roads and avenues in the federal capital and other cities have already turned into a sea of colors – especially green – and people decorate their houses, cars and streets with flags, banners and buntings, creating a festive atmosphere. It is badly needed.
Prominent public and private buildings are illuminated with lights to commemorate this momentous occasion.
The print and electronic media, on this day, paid tribute to the indelible services of the heroes of Pakistan, paying tribute to their extraordinary dedication.
Police across the country have finalized traffic management plans for the convenience and safety of the general public as people gather and mingle in public spaces such as parks, malls, markets and beaches.
Literary and cultural organizations including Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) have organized various programs regarding the importance of this day.
However, no one is as excited on this day as children, the country’s greatest asset and its future.
To engage these enthusiastic children and make them aware of the importance of this day, private and public educational institutions will organize various activities, including competitions, functions and sessions to make students aware of the historical struggle behind the creation of Pakistan. can be done
Cities across the country have been transformed in green and white with Independence Day stalls displaying clothes, flags, buntings, pin badges, toys and other decorations to attract youngsters and children.
Additionally, various brands, online retailers, food items, cab-hailing services, and even electronics companies have offered exciting discounts, adding to the festivities.
Culmination of democratic, political struggle
Taking to X2, formerly known as Twitter, President Arif Alvi congratulated people on Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day.
“On this day, we pay tribute to the sacrifices of our founders and workers of Tehreek-e-Pakistan,” the president wrote.
“The stories of those who faced hardships, endured oppression and braved immense challenges to reach Pakistan are an inspiration to our future generations,” he wrote. He further wrote that the sacrifices of our forefathers should be appreciated.
Message from President Dr. Arif Alvi on occasion of 76th Independence Day Anniversary. pic.twitter.com/izF3BlqoBq
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 14, 2023
76 years ago today, Pakistan gained independence after the historic struggle of the Muslims of the subcontinent under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Muslims of India wanted a homeland for themselves where they could freely organize their individual and collective lives according to the teachings of Islam.
This day marks the end of the democratic and political struggle in our struggle for freedom from colonial rule,” he wrote.
Highlighting the importance of this day, he wrote that it gives us an opportunity for introspection.
“We must reflect on the country’s progress so far, current challenges and opportunities for growth. It is time to renew our resolve to build a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan as the Fathers of the Nation did.”
He then urged the people to pledge to uphold democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, forgiveness, socio-economic justice, and moral and ethical values, as enunciated by Islam.
“On this important day, let us also remember our oppressed brothers and sisters in India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who have been facing Indian atrocities for decades.”
“India’s illegal actions, including the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special legal status in 2019, have worsened the human rights situation in the valley in the form of extrajudicial killings, torture and illegal detentions,” he said. said confirming the dedication. Standing with our Kashmiri brothers.
He urged the entire Pakistani nation to work wholeheartedly for the development of the country.
There is a need to unite to tackle the social, political, economic and security challenges facing the nation today, so let us resolve to make no sacrifice for the security, prosperity and development of the country. he wrote.
An idea rooted in self-assertion
Meanwhile, outgoing Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the nation is celebrating Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day.
In his message on the occasion of Independence Day, he said that on this auspicious occasion, he congratulates the entire nation, including overseas Pakistanis.
“This day holds a special significance in our hearts, as this historic day saw an unprecedented freedom struggle leading to the establishment of the state of Pakistan.
He said that today we pay a great tribute to the men, women and children who came together under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to struggle to create a land they could call home.
“In the process, he set a magnificent example of commitment and dedication to the cause of Pakistan. I also use this opportunity to pay tribute to the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam and other leaders without whom Pakistan would have been.” Couldn’t dream. Daylight.”
The Prime Minister said that the nation will always be indebted to him for giving us the precious gift of freedom, adding that the freedom struggle for a separate homeland represents an idea whose time has come, rooted in self-reliance and Connected with hope. A better tomorrow.
It was for a country where our people can explore their potential and live in peace according to their wonderful traditions, ethics, culture and values.
The idea of Pakistan was bigger than we could imagine, the Prime Minister maintained, adding that it was a desire shaped by the fear of living under a Congress-backed majority rule.
Prime Minister Shehbaz further said that the importance of the milestones we have achieved in the last seven and a half decades against often adverse circumstances cannot be denied.
“We have faced the worst natural disasters, conflicts and wars and have always been able to rebuild better. All along the way, we have fiercely guarded the gift of freedom,” he added. We are rewarded with such passion,” he added.
He also acknowledged the importance and urgency of Kashmir’s struggle for independence spanning over seven decades.
“As we celebrate Independence Day, we stand in complete solidarity with the oppressed people of India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), who are struggling for their right to self-determination.
He said, “Pakistan is committed to providing them with political, moral and diplomatic support. Despite four years of military siege and total information blackout, the people of IIOJ&K have shown extraordinary resilience and resistance against the Indian repressive apparatus.” What,” he said. International community and human rights organizations take note of rights violations in IIOJ&K.
“Our position is firm, advocating a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with UN resolutions, recognizing the right of Kashmiris to decide their future through a free and fair referendum.
“The spirit of freedom inspires Pakistanis to overcome challenges and work for a nation that embodies the principles of justice, equality and prosperity for all,” he concluded.
Supremacy of Parliament
Meanwhile, former president Zardari said that loyalty to the constitution means recognizing the supremacy of parliament as the authentic court of the people.
In his statement on the occasion of Independence Day, he said that on the occasion of Independence Day, a commitment should be made to ensure the rule of the people according to the philosophy of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Day
Asif Zardari said that today the leadership and workers of the People’s Party renew their pledge to make Pakistan a democratic and welfare state according to the ideology of Quaid-e-Azam, for which martyr Ms. Benazir Bhutto fought.
He further said that Quaid-i-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto fulfilled the dream of Quaid-i-Azam in the form of 1973 Constitution.
Furthermore, Bilawal said that this day is also an opportunity to ask ourselves whether today’s Pakistan has succeeded in achieving all the goals that our founders had set and dreamed of at the time of their establishment.
He said that in the light of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, we still have a long way to go and work hard to establish a strong federal democratic state and a society based on tolerance and equality.
The PPP Chairman further said that his party is the true beacon of the ideology and principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who was a unique democrat and statesman who believed in religious tolerance.
Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s gift of a unified constitution to the nation is a reflection of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of the state of Pakistan and Shaheed Ms. Benazir Bhutto fought throughout her life to save the country from dictatorship and protect it. The rights and freedoms of the people and accepted martyrdom during this struggle.”
Bilawal Bhutto congratulated the nation on Independence Day and expressed good wishes for all Pakistanis.
He said that today is the day to pay homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his companions who fought and sacrificed for freedom under their leadership.
“August 14 symbolizes making the impossible possible through peaceful political and democratic struggle,” he added.
Immense blessing of freedom
Meanwhile, Interim Punjab Chief Minister Naqvi extended his heartfelt greetings to the nation on the 77th Independence Day of the country.
In his message released on Sunday, he congratulated all his countrymen on this important day.
He acknowledged the immense blessing of freedom and thanked God Almighty for enabling his countrymen to breathe life into the world as a sovereign nation.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need to understand and uphold the intrinsic worth and dignity of a free nation.
He paid tribute to the innumerable Muslims who had dedicated their lives to burning the flame of freedom and to the venerable leaders of our liberated land.
Paying homage to the unparalleled bravery of those who laid down their lives during the Pakistan Movement, he emphasized the importance of their sacrifices for the attainment of a peaceful nation.
In his message, the Chief Minister emphasized on learning from past experiences and self-reflection to chart a promising path forward.
He emphasized adherence to the principles of faith, unity and organization, in which every individual plays an integral role in the development of the country.
Naqvi emphasized the shared responsibility of bequeathing a harmonious, strong and prosperous Pakistan to future generations.
He emphasized on the important role of exemplary unity and solidarity in facing the upcoming challenges.
He called upon all citizens to renew their commitment to prioritise the nation’s growth over personal interests and collaboratively elevate the stature of Pakistan.
