KARACHI, Aug 15: A large number of Karachiites flocked to the Quaid’s mausoleum to renew their pledge and to pay homage to the Father of the Nation. Carrying green flags and singing national songs beaming kids were chanting “Pakistan Zindabad, Quaid-i-Azam Zindabad”, generally unaware of the sacrifices their elders had made for the creation of Pakistan.

The Independence Day celebrations took off on Saturday evening when Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan lit the beacon in the presence of thousands of people at Clifton beach followed by the spectacular display of fireworks.

The day dawned with special prayers at mosques for the stability, prosperity and progress of the motherland and 21-gun salute. A smartly turned contingent of Pakistan Naval Academy cadets assumed ceremonial guard duties at the Mazar in an impressive ceremony.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and the provincial cabinet participated in the flag hoisting ceremony at the mausoleum. Later, the governor and chief minister laid floral wreaths at the Quaid’s Mazar and offered fateha.

People from all walks of life continued to visit the Mazar throughout the day. Flag hoisting was also held at the Sindh Madressahtul Islam, the alma mater of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

The most impressive event of the day was the display of a unique collection of photographs, paintings and documents of national heroes, freedom fighters and other prominent Muslim political personalities who fought against British imperialism for the creation of an independent homeland for the Muslims of the South Asia.

The main feature of the exhibition was the first coins and currency notes issued by the State Bank of Pakistan in 1947 and coloured photographs of the freedom fighters. Also on display were maps of the Islamic states proposed by Chaudhry Rehmat Ali well before independence, the personal belongings of the Quaid-i-Azam, Dr Allama Iqbal and Liaquat Ali Khan.

The exhibition, which opened on Aug 14 for general public, will continue till Aug 31, with free entry.

The Sindh governor paid rich tributes to the people of Karachi and said that independence was a great blessing and our elders had rendered a great deal of sacrifices to achieve a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent.

Dr Ibad asked the politicians to forget the bitterness of the past and come forward to serve the country together.