14 August 2004	Saturday	27 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

KARACHI, Aug 13: Arrangements have been finalized and public zeal and spirits reached its peak to celebrate 57th Independence Day with a commitment to work for the glory and progress of the motherland.

Befitting programmes have been chalked out for Aug 14. The main highlights of the programme, starting from morning, include flag-hoisting ceremony at the Mazar of the Quaid-i-Azam, the founder of Pakistan.

The Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim will perform the ceremony. The City Nazim, Naimatullah Khan, will lay a floral wreath on behalf of the Citizens of Karachi and offer Fateha.

After the ceremony is over, the gates of the Quaid's Mazar will be opened for public. The entire city is already plunged into festivity, with stream of people along with their children visiting make-shift shops to buy national flags and bunting to decorate their houses for the occasion.

Scores of motorcyclists, cars, buses, trucks etc are flying national flag giving a demonstration of their infinite love for the occasion when their elders earned motherland for them with unmatched and colossal sacrifices.

Important public and private buildings have been decorated with colourful lights and people in large number drive through roads for colourful sights. At various vantage points in the city, large size pictures of leaders of freedom movement and their portraits have been displayed while national songs are being played at important roundabouts where Jashn-i-Azadi camps have been set up. -APP