ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani people will celebrate on Monday 76 years of their independence from British rule, with a renewed pledge to uphold the spirit of the Pakistan Movement to make the South Asian country a true Islamic welfare state.
On August 14, 1947, Pakistan achieved independence from British colonial rule when the United Kingdom partitioned the Indian sub-continent into two independent dominions, Muslim Pakistan and Hindu-majority India.
The day will dawn with a 31-gun salute in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad and 21-gun salutes at the provincial headquarters.
“Special prayers will be offered in mosques at dawn for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country,” the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“The main feature of the celebrations will be a national flag hoisting ceremony in Islamabad. Similar flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held at provincial, divisional and district headquarters-level throughout the country.”
On the occasion, Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television will run special transmissions to highlight the services of the heroes of the Pakistan Movement and pay tributes to their glorious contributions in making Pakistan a reality.
Outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will have a farewell address with the nation and receiving a parting guard of honor, according to local media reports.
The newly appointed caretaker prime minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, is also expected to take oath of his office on the Independence Day.
