KARACHI: Besides political rallies, citizens of Karachi participated in many rallies such as classic car rallies, heavy motorbike rallies and bicycle rallies to celebrate Independence Day.

The rallies, which started at various points in the city, ended at the Mazar-i-Quaid.

Many citizens attired in green and white with matching accessories also arrived at the Mazar-i-Quaid to pay homage throughout the day.

‘Freedom Drive’

Like every year, Motor Club of Pakistan’s ‘Freedom Drive’, its ninth, commenced from Frere Hall with vehicles including classic and exquisite cars, 4x4 SUVs and modified SUVs, superbikes, stunt bikes, cafe racers, cruisers, sports cars and modified supercars.

The rally headed to Mazar-i-Quaid followed by enjoying the cheerful atmosphere at Nishan-i-Pakistan on Abdul Sattar Avenue followed by a scrumptious breakfast at Bilawal Chowrangi.

The event was held in collaboration with the Antique Cars Museum, Sindh Integrated Emergency Health Services 1122 and the Sindh Health Department.

‘Run for Pakistan’

If not at the mausoleum itself, thousands of participants, including foreign athletes from different countries, gathered at Bagh-i-Jinnah, or Polo Ground, to participate in the ‘Run for Pakistan’ event.

The event was organised by Sports in Pakistan to run a scenic seven-kilometre loop course that took runners through iconic landmarks in Karachi, including II Chundrigar Road, Native Jetty, MT Khan Road, etc, to finally culminate at the Habib Public School before looping back to the starting point.

Deputy Commissioner-South Altaf H Sario was the chief guest at the event where participants had the option to choose from various running distances such as 21.1km (half-marathon), 14km, 7km and 1km (walk).

“We are thrilled to see the overwhelming response to ‘Run for Pakistan’, which embodies the spirit of national pride and unity,” said Shoaib Nizami, CEO of Sports in Pakistan.“

Fire tender rally

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab led the fire tender rally starting from Mazar-i-Quaid.

The rally is held every year to inform citizens that the fire brigade department is not only active but also engaged in serving the public.

On this occasion, the fire tenders sounded their sirens as the rally passed through M.A. Jinnah Road and ended at the Fire Brigade Head Office on Baba-i-Urdu Road.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2024