Nation celebrates 78th Independence Day

The nation is celebrating 78th Independence Day with traditional zeal and enthusiasm, pledging to work with spirit of Pakistan Movement. 

The day dawned with a 31-gun salute and a 21-gun salute at federal capital Islamabad and provincial capitals respectively.

Special prayers were offered in mosques for peace, solidarity and prosperity of country. The main feature of celebrations was the flag hoisting ceremony in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other political and military officials in attendance.

Similar flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held at provincial, divisional, district and Tehsil headquarters throughout the country.

Meanwhile, roadside stalls selling flags, badges, stickers, and clothes have been set up in all cities of country.

President Asif Ali Zardari also felicitated the nation on the Independence Day emphasised unity, integrity, and economic stability, urged following Quaid-e-Azam’s teachings, called for investment in youth and women, and reaffirmed support for Kashmiris and Palestinians.

“We need to draw inspiration from the words of our Quaid and if we want to make this great State of Pakistan happy and prosperous, we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people, especially of the masses and the poor. It is time to invest in our youth and women, improve service delivery, and create a business-friendly environment to make Pakistan a great nation,” he added.

Apart from that, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to work collectively for an inclusive and prosperous Pakistan.

“While we celebrate our freedom, we also remember the brave people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine who have been fighting for their right to self-determination for over seven decades and are facing the worst form of state atrocities,” he remarked and reiterated Pakistan’s continuous moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their struggle their universal right to self-determination.

The premier said that Pakistan would also continue its support for the oppressed Palestinians for their legitimate rights.

“Pakistan stands at a crossroads today. While the common values, rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions continue to bind us together, our economy continues to face significant challenges in the shape of inflation, high-energy costs, unemployment and a growing debt burden.”

He said that Pakistan’s rich natural resources and a youthful workforce were true assets.