Nation celebrates Independence Day with patriotic fervour

All the major public and private buildings, roads and avenues have been decorated with illuminations, national flags, portraits of the national leaders, banners and buntings.

The day started with a gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals of the country.

Sky roared with fireworks as clock ticked 12:00 am to begin celebrations of Independence Day of Pakistan on 14th August. Fireworks celebrations were held across Pakistan in all the cities and buildings were illuminated. People took to streets with national flags on their bikes and other vehicles. Gatherings of sea of people could be witnessed at landmark places.

Children recited the national anthem as flag was being hoisted at the convention centre.

Special prayers were offered for the prosperity, integrity and solidarity of the country, unity of the Muslim Ummah and for the success of the long-drawn struggle of Kashmiris.

Different events have been organised in different cities of the country to express thankfulness to God for the invaluable gift of freedom.

A flag hoisting ceremony was held at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre in which President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Speaker of National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq along with members of the federal cabinet were present on the occasion.

Another flag hoisting ceremony was held at Lahore’s Wagah Border. The citizens chanted “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans during the event.

An impressive change of guards ceremony took place at the mausoleum of Quaid-e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah where a contingent of Pakistan Navy took charge.

Governor and Chief Minister of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Murad Ali Shah paid a visit to Mazar-e-Quaid where they laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha. They also hoisted the national flag and met children.

‘Democracy is the only way forward’: President

President Mamnoon Hussain started off his speech at Jinnah Convention by congratulating the nation on the auspicious occasion.

President Hussain said that the Quetta carnage has deeply hurt the country. He said those who lost their loved ones in the explosion should not feel alone as the whole nation is with them at this tough time.

Operation Zarb-e-Azb has bore fruitful results and is in its final stages. He said that the results achieved in the military operation have been encouraging.

“Enemies of Pakistan will not be allowed to escape. He said that the terrorists will have to pay for their actions,” Hussain said.

The president went on to say that the nation pays its tribute to the brave patriots of the country. He said that the soldiers of Pakistan Army laid down their lives to protect the country.

He said that the Pakistan movement did not end in 1947 but it moved on to next level where it faced new challenges and obstacles.

President Mamnoon Hussain said that democracy is the way forward for country’s development.

Hussain said that the people of Kashmir should be remembered on Independence Day. He said that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through United Nations resolutions.

President’s speech on Independence Day by arynews