In Punjab the 70th Independence Day celebrations that started on first August reach their peak yesterday - 14th August; when people renew their strong resolve to make every sacrifice to protect the sovereignty, integrity and unity of the country created in the name of Islam. The day is being celebrated with great splendor, joy, respect and re-dedication towards nation-building in accordance with the vision of the founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The day will begin with a 21-gun salute in the provincial capital. Flag hoisting ceremonies will be held in the provincial capital and district headquarters and colourful, change of guard ceremony will be held at the Mazar of Allama Iqbal. Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif will hoist the national flag at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal. Special prayers will be offered for the integrity, solidarity, and development of Pakistan in mosques and religious places across the country.
The Punjab government has taken necessary foolproof security measures to mark the 70th independence anniversary of Pakistan in a befitting manner. Special functions are being held at provincial, divisional, district, tehsil and union council level while historic and important buildings will also be illuminated and heroes of Pakistan Movement will be paid rich tributes in the functions.
Special programmes are being held in educational institutions besides holding city parade. The students of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Sindh, KPK and Balochistan have also, been invited to the Independence Day celebrations. Sweets and special food will be provided to jail prisoners in the functions. Special food has been arranged for the children of Darul Itfal and women residing in Dar ul Amaan.
Livestock department will arrange exhibition of cattle of different species. Sports department will arrange different competitions including hockey, volleyball, gymnastic, football and kabaddi. Qirat, Naat Khawani, Urdu & English speeches, discussions, national songs, quiz programmes, tableaus and seminars would be held in private and public schools.
People across the province have been flocking the stalls and vendors to buy national flags of different shapes and sizes, badges, shirts, other memorabilia to show their love for the country and pay tribute to the leaders and workers of the Pakistan movement.
People in large numbers will also witness the colourful lowering of the flags ceremony at the Wagah border which is a daily military practice that the security forces of India (Border Security Force) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) jointly perform. The drill is characterised by elaborate and rapid dance-like manoeuvres.