ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is celebrating Diamond Jubilee of Independence Day of the motherland today (Sunday) with a renewed pledge to work with the spirit of the Pakistan Movement to make the country a true Islamic welfare state. Commemorative ceremonies being held in different cities today.
According to Radio Pakistan, the day dawned with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in the provincial headquarters. Prayers were offered for the security and progress of Pakistan, and the well-being of the people, the report said.
The main feature of the celebrations every year is the national flag-hoisting ceremony in Islamabad. Similar flag-hoisting ceremonies are also at provincial, divisional and district headquarter levels throughout the country.
A change of guard ceremony was also held at the mausoleum of the Quaid-i-Azam in Karachi.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also unveiled the design of Rs75 commemorative banknote for the country’s diamond jubilee. According to the central bank, the note will be available for public issuance from September 30.
1/2 #SBP unveils the design of Rs.75 commemorative banknote being issued on 75th anniversary of the country’s independence. The note will be available for public issuance from 30th September 2022.
For details: https://t.co/ZvCNGKxSjV pic.twitter.com/qweDbs28g7— SBP (@StateBank_Pak) August 14, 2022
Fireworks lit up the night skies, trumpets blared and bikers and cars adorned with national flags packed major roads and avenues in cities to celebrate Independence Day.
Public and private buildings, as well as streets, bazaars and markets, have been profusely illuminated.
National flags, buntings, portraits of founding fathers, posters and banners are also seen everywhere as part of the celebration of Independence Day.
President Dr Arif Alvi urged the nation to remain steadfast and work wholeheartedly for the development and progress and prosperity of the country.
“We need to remain united to overcome financial, economic and security challenges faced by the country. Let us pledge that we will remain steadfast to render any sacrifice for the dignity and self-respect of our people and greatness and glory of our beloved homeland,” the president said in a message on the 75th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan being observed on August 14 (today).
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on Independence Day, said that nothing is more dangerous for a nation than internal division, disruption and chaos for such negative forces undermine the solidarity and integrity of the country and rob societies of their national purpose.
He said that Independence Day is a watershed moment in our nation’s history.
On the occasion, President Alvi also conferred civil awards on 253 Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals. The citizens were bestowed with awards for showing excellence and courage in different fields, Radio Pakistan reported.
The president also conferred military awards on the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force.
The President gave two Sitara-i-Basalat, 68 Tamgha-i-Basalat, 33 Imtiazi Asnad, 68 COAS Commendation Cards, 22 Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 102 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 130 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military).
