——— Premier hoists national flag at Pakistan Monument, joined by Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem, Gilani, and other dignitaries
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday hoisted the national flag at the Pakistan Monument, commemorating the 77th Independence Day anniversary of Pakistan.
The ceremony was attended by national Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem and Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani, among other dignitaries.
During the event, the prime minister laid a floral wreath at the Pakistan Monument, paying homage to the country’s founding fathers and national heroes.
In separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their congratulations to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day.
President Zardari highlighted the day as the culmination of the historic struggle of Indian Muslims for self-determination. He called for unity, integrity, and economic stability, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions.
Prime Minister Sharif echoed these sentiments, paying tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s forefathers and the unsung heroes of the Pakistan Movement.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine in their pursuit of self-determination. The Armed Forces of Pakistan, along with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Service Chiefs, also conveyed their heartfelt felicitations to the nation.
They paid tribute to the visionary founding fathers and valiant veterans whose sacrifices paved the way for Pakistan’s independence.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing their resolve to preserve Pakistan’s hard-won freedom with honour and dignity.
The day began with a thirty-one gun salute in the Federal Capital and a twenty-one gun salute in the provincial headquarters. Special prayers were offered in mosques across the country for peace, solidarity, and prosperity. A Change of Guards ceremony took place at Mazar-e-Quaid, where a contingent of cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy assumed charge.
Meanwhile, roadside stalls selling flags, badges, and Independence Day memorabilia sprung up in cities across the nation.
The Olympic champion landed in Islamabad at Noor Khan Air Bases yesterday to a state guest protocol where him and his family were received by federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shiza Fatima Khwaja, PIO Mubashir Hasan among others.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a grand reception today in honour of Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, who recently made history by bringing home a gold medal for Pakistan.
Nadeem, joined by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and his coach, addressed the media upon his arrival in Islamabad, where he was scheduled to attend a dinner in his honor at the Prime Minister’s House on Tuesday.
Expressing deep gratitude, he acknowledged the crucial role of his parents and the nation in his victory. “Winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics and setting a new record was made possible by the prayers of my fellow Pakistanis,” he said.
