KARACHI: The Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) organised a double-decker bus tour for special children and senior citizens from the Quaid-i-Azam House Museum (Flag Staff House) to Malir Halt via Sharea Faisal and back to commemorate Pakistan Day on Monday.

Ahead of the tour there was also a flag-hoisting ceremony and singing of the national anthem followed by a cake-cutting ceremony where the special children and senior citizens cut a cake in the shape and colours of the Pakistan flag.

Cookie Lewis from Dar-ul-Sukun told Dawn that it was her first experience of traveling on a double-decker and she was very happy to be celebrating Pakistan Day like this.

“I wish STDC and the Sindh government a very happy Pakistan Day from the bottom of my heart,” said Cookie, who was sporting a light pistachio green shirt with matching accessories specially for the day.

Writer and poet Huma Naeem Baig was wearing a pretty green dress with a matching dupatta that had white crescent and stars block printed on it. She said that there is the pain of Gaza and Iran in her heart but there is also the love for her own country Pakistan which drove her to be a part of the Pakistan Day celebrations at Quaid-i-Azam House Museum and the bus tour.

“March 23 is a very important day for us Pakistanis which we cannot neglect. Therefore, I am here, too, to show to our younger generations how we celebrate this day,” she said.

Senior journalist Mahmood Shaam said that the day is to be commemorated by following the Pakistan Resolution document in resolving the current issues of the country.

Khawaja Jahanzeb, who owns a travel agency specialising in adventure tourism, said that he was very happy to be a part of the bus tour as he feels that Sindh is the most historic province of Pakistan, which deserves exploring.

“As it is, special children get few opportunities for outings. I remember organising a complimentary trip of the Clifton beach for Dar-ul-Sukun kids some years ago where one of the older girls thanked me and informed me that she had never been to the seaside before even though she was born in Karachi. Therefore, I appreciate STDC and its Managing Director Feyaz Ali Shah for his personal efforts for making this double-decker ride possible. And what better day to do it than Pakistan Day,” he shared.

STDC chief Feyaz Ali Shah also said that he wanted to plan a gun event, which also aimed to celebrate the national spirit of Pakistan Day while providing an enjoyable and memorable experience for special children and senior citizens.

The guided journey included brief visits to prominent landmarks such as Keamari harbour, State Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank Plaza on I.I. Chundrigar Road, Governor House and Sharea Faisal.

The tour provided participants an opportunity to witness the city’s vibrant landscape and architectural heritage.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2026