The whole nation celebrated Pakistan's 63rd Independence Day on Friday with traditional zeal, fervour and renewed commitment to make Pakistan stronger and prosperous. The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for progress and solidarity of the country.
Celebrations began with a 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21-gun salute in all four provincial capitals. At 7:58 am all vehicular traffic halted for two minutes with sounds of sirens filling the air while national anthem was played at 8 am.
A large number of colourful events were held across the country to celebrate the Independence Day in a befitting manner and pay homage to those who offered greater sacrifices to create an independent motherland. The main event of the day was a flag-hoisting ceremony in the Federal Capital where Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani unfurled the national flag.
The Prime Minister, in his address, spoke on a host of issues including the challenges faced by the country like terrorism, economy, power crisis, democracy as well as foreign policy. Upon the issue of terrorism he was emphatic by saying "I want to reiterate that we are not scared of the terrorists. We will eliminate their oppression and barbarity through our determination and courage."
He credited the nation for showing unity and solidarity against terrorism which bolstered the courage of armed forces who confronted the extremists and defeated them. A simple but impressive change of the guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Mohammed Ali Jinnah in Karachi. Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah performed the flag hoisting ceremony and later placed wreath on the Quaid's Mazaar and offered fateha.
Similarly, flag hoisting ceremonies were held in other provincial capitals. NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti hoisted national flag at Malik Saad Shaheed police line while Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif attended a flag hoisting ceremony at Hazoori Bagh.
Chief Minister Nawab Mohammad Aslam Raisani unfurled the national flag in Quetta. They stressed upon the nation to work ceaselessly to achieve all goals set by the founder of the nation. They said the nation always proved that it was united in all trying times and would continue to do so.
Morale boosting events were also seen in Swat valley where according to media reports, a large number of people in Mingora City and other areas took out celebration processions. They expressed their pleasure and jubilation without any fear of militants and terrorists. They also paid tributes to the security forces for restoring peace in the area.
All the government and private buildings throughout the country were exquisitely illuminated whereas people decorated their houses, shopping centres and offices with national flags, posters, lighting, paintings, buntings and balloons.
A large number of rallies, processions and colourful functions were arranged under the aegis of different public and private sector, social and political organisations in all small and major towns and cities of the country. Speakers highlighted the significance of the day and future goals under Quaid's ideals of 'Unity, Faith and Discipline'.
In the Federal Capital, main celebrations included various folk musical performances. Photo exhibitions were the other major features of the day. Young people in separate groups took out to the streets with their vehicles and decorated with national flags. Mounting on vehicles, they played national anthems and chanted slogans.
The traffic on Shaheed Benazir Bhutto road in Rawalpindi moved at slow pace in the evening as the jubilant crowds were seen patrolling different areas, waving national flags to express their patriotism spirit. Unprecedented number of families were also seen thronging the main recreational spots and parks of the twin cities.
Children remained the busiest people by setting fire works and exploding crackers to vent their happiness. The electronic media presented day-long programmes, including national songs, talk shows, dramas and children programmes to highlight the significance of the day. The print media brought out special supplements containing features and articles, highlighting the sacrifices rendered by nation's forefathers.