Every year on August 14, Pakistan prepares for its Independence Day. Every Pakistani’s heart swells with patriotism and unity as they remember freedom fighters and great leaders such as the Quaid-i-Azam.
The main ceremony is held in Islamabad, Karachi remains an important location for the celebrations. With a parade at Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s mausoleum as the day’s highlight, hundreds of visitors pay their respects at the Quaid’s tomb, the country’s founder, celebrating the day with renewed zeal and enthusiasm. Sometimes musicians from the Pakistan Navy’s band can be seen performing at the mausoleum.
In the evening, green and white fairy lights and national flag pennants illuminate the streets, towns, and houses. There is a stall on every street corner selling flags, Pakistan Day shirts, badges, caps, and wristwatches. Public and private buildings, as well as streets and bazaars, are beautifully illuminated, particularly in the Saddar neighborhood, Zaibunissa Street, Shahrah-i-Faisal, and Kagzi Bazaar, the city’s largest flag-selling market.
Pakistanis of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds express their affection for their country by dressing in festive green and white. Many buildings are decorated in national colors Posters, banners, and portraits of the founding fathers.
Without the participation of children, whose hopes and dreams will help shape the future, a celebration like this is incomplete. Children can be seen with their faces painted green and dressed in a variety of costumes. They also enjoy the various street fireworks displays. On the morning of the 14th, Karachi’s food street, Boat Basin, is packed with locals enjoying the famous Pakistani breakfast, halwa puri. From the eve of Independence Day until late the next day, Sea View Beach is packed with people blasting patriotic songs from their vehicles and waving flags while shouting Azadi Mubarak and Pakistan Zindabad.
The chief guests at the formal celebration are the president and the prime minister. The national flag is flown over the Presidency and the Parliament Building. The national anthem is played, and the leaders’ speeches are broadcasted live on television. This is the main attraction of Independence Day. The day begins with a gun salute in the federal capital and each of the four provincial capitals. Across the country, prayers are being offered for the country’s safety, progress, growth, and people’s well-being.
The Pakistan Air Force puts on a fantastic air show, with jet planes flying over Islamabad as crowds gather in one of the city’s parks to watch. The Independence Day Parade, also known as the Azadi Parade, is intended to honor the countless sacrifices made for the country. Pakistan Military Academy Kakul also hosts a parade.
People in Lahore enjoy the beautiful fireworks that light up the sky near Minar-i-Pakistan. The day is celebrated by all parks, amusement parks, the Shahi Qila, and the Lahore Zoo. A special flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagha border also marks the occasion. The main flag-hoisting ceremony is held near the Lahore Fort at Hazoori Bagh, where many schoolchildren sing national songs. The government and corporate sector have placed several billboards and hoardings with patriotic messages. Schools, colleges, and universities also host speech and essay competitions, seminars, symposiums, sports activities, and national song contests. The Lahore trading community organizes fireworks at the Aleem Dar Cricket Academy in Johar Town. The National Hockey Stadium hosts musical concerts featuring popular national songs.
The Northern Areas of Pakistan take part with equal zeal. Portraits of the nation’s founder and other prominent leaders of the independence movement can be found on everything from T-shirts to bumper stickers. A massive celebration is held at Gilgit’s Chinar Bagh. In Gilgit, a colorful function is usually held at the helipad ground.
Traditional festive events such as flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and patriotic music are the norm. On the same day, various award ceremonies are held. Private citizens display national flags atop their homes and prominently on their vehicles and clothing.
Fireworks, exhibitions, game shows, and face painting are all common features of Independence Day celebrations in major cities. Pakistanis from all over the world come together to celebrate their country and be inspired by the achievements it has made.