There was no issue of the paper on Aug 16, 1951, on account of the Independence Day holiday. The excerpt below is from the previous day’s edition.

KARACHI: The Nation took the Fifth Pakistan Day as a day of “challenge and an opportunity for re-dedication to the task of State-building set by the Quaid-i-Azam”, in response to the Prime Minister’s call. … Clenched fists were the favourite form of greeting. Flags with the nation’s new symbol on the reverse sold for anything from an anna to Rs 100. Plastic badges bearing the replica of the symbol sold like hot cakes in Karachi. Buntings bearing the Clenched Fist decorated the houses by day. Prime Minister’s picture with the National Symbol was the favourite object of illumination at night.

A pattern celebrations programme was followed in the Federal and Provincial Capitals. The programme included firing of National Salute at the crack of dawn, special prayers followed by Fateha prayers for the peace of the soul of the Quaid-i-Azam and solemn pledges to build Pakistan into a strong Islamic Democracy, flag hoistings, ceremonial parades, public speeches and reception at the Government House.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2026