-Pakistan celebrates Diamond Jubilee of Independence with zeal, fervour
-The day dawned with a 31-one gun salute in Islamabad and 21-one gun salute in Provincial Capitals
-President confers Civil Awards on 253 personalities
-PM underlines need for national dialogue, consensus on charter of economy
By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: Nation on Sunday has celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of its independence after completion of 75 years since Independence Day, with traditional zeal and fervour across Pakistan.
The day dawned with a 31-one gun salute in the federal capital and 21-one gun salute in the provincial headquarters.
Special prayers were offered in mosques at dawn for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country. The main feature of the celebrations every year is the national flag-hoisting ceremony in Islamabad. Similar flag-hoisting ceremonies are also at provincial, divisional and district headquarter levels throughout the country. President Dr Arif Alvi urged the nation to remain steadfast and work wholeheartedly for the development and progress and prosperity of the country. “We need to remain united to overcome financial, economic and security challenges faced by the country. Let us pledge that we will remain steadfast to render any sacrifice for the dignity and self-respect of our people and greatness and glory of our beloved homeland,” the president said in a message on the 75th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan being observed on August 14.
While celebrating the Day, he stressed that they should not forget their oppressed brothers and sisters of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). Besides, on the occasion, President Alvi also conferred Civil Awards on 253 Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals. The citizens were bestowed with awards for showing excellence and courage in different fields.
The President also conferred military awards on the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force.
The President gave two Sitara-i-Basalat, 68 Tamgha-i-Basalat, 33 Imtiazi Asnad, 68 COAS Commendation Cards, 22 Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 102 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 130 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military).
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on Independence Day, said that nothing is more dangerous for a nation than internal division, disruption and chaos for such negative forces undermine the solidarity and integrity of the country and rob societies of their national purpose.
He said that Independence Day is a watershed moment in our nation’s history.
In a bid to put the country on the trajectory of progress and bring economic stability, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for holding a national dialogue and developing a consensus on the “charter of economy” among all stakeholders.
Addressing a national flag-hoisting and unveiling of re-recording ceremony of the national anthem here at the Jinnah Convention Centre, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that like their forefathers, on this 75th Independence Day, they vowed to transform Pakistan into an economic power.
“If we can become a nuclear power, we can also become an economic power but for it we have to strive day and night and prove to the world that we are no less than anyone in the world,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by federal ministers, parliamentarians, senior military and law enforcement agencies leadership and people belonging to all walks of life.
In his messages on the eve of Independence day, former president and President PPP Parliamentarians Asif Ali Zardari said that the supremacy of elected parliament of the people is essential for a free, independent and dignified Pakistan. “Now the time has come to make sustainable decisions for the country and the nation by fully implementing the Charter of Democracy.”
He said the power-hungry dictators tried to distort the Constitution but failed. “Only an empowered parliament can decide the future of the country and the nation. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto solidified the pact of unity and solidarity between the federation and all units with her blood.” He said that the 18th Amendment has guaranteed a strong and stable Pakistan.
Meanwhile, PML-Q President and former prime minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that the entire nation is celebrating Independence Day with enthusiasm but we should never forget that today Pakistan is facing challenges on internal, external, ideological and geographical fronts.
