RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Like other parts of the country, the residents of Rawalpindi celebrated 76th Independence Day by taking out rallies, and organising flag-hoisting and cake-cutting ceremonies.

The day began with special prayers held in mosques, churches and other places of worship for the betterment and stability of the country. The people, including young girls, boys and children, thronged stalls set up in various parts of the city to buy flags of different sizes, badges, ribbons, masks and bandanas. Many of them painted national flags on their faces to express their love for Pakistan.

Similarly, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, houses, buildings, plazas, markets and shopping malls were decorated with national flags and green lights. Youngsters, clad in green and white, danced on Murree Road and played songs to celebrate the day.

In most areas, business activities remained suspended. Public elected representatives also displayed huge banners along Murree Road featuring pictures of Pakistan’s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah, Dr Allama Mohammad Iqbal, and other prominent figures of the Pakistan Movement.

In the evening, the families thronged parks and other resorts to enjoy the day; crowds were seen in parks and cinema houses of the city and cantonment areas.

However, the main event in Rawalpindi was held at the Commissioner’s Office where caretaker minister Jamal Nasir participated along with other officials. The flag-hoisting ceremony at the office started with slogans.

Speaking on this occasion, the caretaker minister said that Pakistan was ready to face any kind of difficulty with the strength of unity. Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha said that Independence Day was being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. Along with organising events, foolproof security arrangements were made by the district administration to ensure the safety of life and property of the public, he added.

“So it is necessary that the citizens, realising their social responsibility on this occasion, refrain from any kind of act due to which this day full of happiness is likely to turn into a sad one,” he said. He added that today there was a need to repeat the pledge that “we will take steps for the improvement and development of our land as much as possible”. At the end of the ceremony, the chief guest also distributed gifts among the children and prayed for the prosperity of the country.

Meanwhile, caretaker minister Jamal Nasir cut a cake in connection with Independence Day at Rawalpindi Arts Council. He also visited the ‘Journey of Hope’ photo exhibition at the Rawalpindi Arts Council.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jamal Nasir said that people from all walks of life were participating in the celebrations and showing enthusiasm. He said that this country was the result of innumerable sacrifices of our forefathers.

Furthermore, on the eve of Independence Day, a cultural show and fireworks were performed at Liaquat Bagh at midnight. A spectacular firework display filled the sky colourful lights which could be seen from areas along Murree Road and Raja Bazaar.

Separately, ministries and their subordinate departments celebrated Independence Day with zeal and zest in the federal capital. Institute of Strategic Studies Director General Sohail Mahmood, at the Institute’s web celebration of Independence Day, said that abiding commitment to the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was the best path forward for Pakistan on its way to sustainable peace, progress and prosperity.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) commemorated the nation’s Independence Day with enthusiasm and fervour, highlighting unity and patriotism in a series of vibrant celebrations. Similarly, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) attended by renowned writers.

— Ikram Junaidi in Islamabad also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2023