Karachiites celebrated the Independence Day on Friday at the cost of provincial home department's ban on pillion ridings, as zealous youth having at least two to three pillions riders on their silencer-less motorcycles kept making mockery of the months-old ban throughout the day in the violence-hit city.
As there was no check on such silencer-less motorcycles, which kept creating ears-splitting noise and nuisance to public throughout the day on the roads and streets. Though the day was observed with national zeal.
But the pedestrians, passengers and other commuters besides common people suffered the most as the youth thronged the roads, streets and roundabouts, dancing and chanting slogans as "Pakistan Zindabad", violating the signals at roundabouts leading to traffic congestion on city's arteries for hours. Waving different size of national flags, with their respective political party's flags, different party workers were also seen celebrating the day on roads and streets.
A large number of zealous youths also visited the sea site and other picnic points of the city. During the celebration, which started from Thursday evening, 8 injuries were reported in the road accidents while another 18 people received injured in celebratory aerial firings. The day dawned with special prayers in the city's mosques for the stability, prosperity and progress of the motherland.
Celebrating the 63rd Independence Day of Pakistan, with other parts of the country the Governor and Chief Minister Sindh along other high ups laid floral wreath at the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam and offered Fateha. The change of guards' ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in the morning.
The City Nazim, Naib Nazim, and DCO also visited the Quaid's mausoleum and offered Fatiha. On the occasion the City Nazim, Syed Mustafa Kamal said," We have extended unconditional support to the present system in the large interest of the country and it will continue even if the present Nizamat is snatched from us".
Besides government, semi-government and private buildings, shops as well as houses were decorated with buntings and national flags. Various programs, including rallies, processions and the colourful functions under the aegis of various social and political organisations also held in the city. Educational institutions held special programs to mark the day and to create awareness among the young generation about the motherland.
Flag-wielding children of different schools also visited Quaid's mausoleum and sung the national songs. Armed forces joined the nation in the celebrations of the day with traditional zeal and fervour along with the rest of the nation.
At least 21 gun salutes was also presented. Special flag hoisting ceremonies were carried out at various headquarters and units. A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Naval Academy cadets mounted guard at the Quaid's mausoleum.
The representatives of three services laid Inter Services floral wreath at the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam and offered Fateha. All units and headquarters of three services were beautifully illuminated and bara khana was held in the units after special darbars highlighting the importance of the day.
National flag-hoisting ceremonies were also held at all government, semi-government and private buildings/headquarters like Head Office Building of Karachi Port Trust, and all Toll Plazas by Motorway Police etc of the provincial capital.