KARACHI: Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with traditional zeal and fervour across Sindh, particularly in Karachi on Friday.
The celebrations began with a 21-gun salute at dawn while special prayers for the country were offered the entire day starting from Fajr. It being Friday, Juma prayers, also included prayers for the peace, prosperity, unity and development of the motherland.
Almost all schools, especially private schools, in the city remained open for the occasion.
All the students came wearing green and after attending their assemblies, which included the flag hoisting and singing of the national anthem, took part in various progammes including cake cutting and tableaux. Many schools also planted tree saplings and initiated cleaning drives.
A large number of students also gathered at Mazar-i-Quaid to mark Independence Day.
Governor Hashmi, CM Murad call upon the nation to reaffirm commitment to unity, patriotism and national development
‘Change of guard’
At the mausoleum of the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, as per the tradition on every August 14, smartly turned-out cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA) assumed ceremonial guard duties.
The ceremonial guard at the Mazar-i-Quaid comprised two contingents, one of Pakistan Navy sailors and the other of PNA cadets.
PNA Commandant Rear Admiral Muhammad Umair, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered Fateha.
Governor, CM visit Mazar
Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the Quaid’s mausoleum on the occasion of 79th Independence Day and called upon the nation to reaffirm its commitment to unity, patriotism and national development.
A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Navy presented a guard of honour and salute to the governor and the CM.
They hoisted the national flag at Quaid’s premises as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
They laid a wreath at the mausoleum, offered fateha and prayed for the progress, prosperity, development and security of the country.
They paid rich tributes to the Quaid-i-Azam for his outstanding services and historic contributions to the nation.
They also inked their impressions in the visitor’s book.
Earlier, the CM and members of the provincial cabinet welcomed the governor upon his arrival at the Mazar.
Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Odho and other senior officials were also present.
Mayor, opposition leader pay tribute to Quaid-i-Azam
Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab also paid his respects, laid a floral wreath and offered fateha followed by special prayers for the security, stability, development and prosperity of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that, owing to the extraordinary leadership, vision and tireless struggle of the Quaid-i-Azam, the Muslims of the Subcontinent were blessed with an independent homeland.
“August 14 is an extremely important day for us. Today, we must once again prove to the world that Pakistan is the country of a courageous, self-respecting and determined nation that will not bow before any external pressure or conspiracy,” he said.
Also, Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly Ali Khursheedi and senior leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Dr Farooq Sattar visited the Mazar-i-Quaid to pay tribute to the father of the nation.
They prayed for the security, stability and prosperity of the country.
Senior officers of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force also visited the Mazar-i-Quaid to pay their respect on the occasion of Independence Day.
Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026
