• The day-long celebrations started with 21-gun salute at sunrise
• Concert at Governor House draws massive crowds
• Traffic chaos reigned with citywide gridlock

KARACHI: Celebrations for Pakistan’s 77 years of independence started on the eve of August 14 as one could hear national songs echoing in the air, someone or other was playing some inspiring song or the other on a loudspeaker. That along with the many decorative green and white lights tugged at the heartstrings.

The next morning as numerous Pakistan flags fluttered in Karachi’s sea breeze, the day began with a 21-gun salute. Special prayers were offered in mosques for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan.

Still, many celebrations throughout the day also led to traffic havoc with the chaos reaching its climax in the evening when the celebration along with a big concert started at Governor House.

All roads leading to Governor House were blocked because of massive traffic jams despite the traffic police’s carrying out special arrangements.

Governor House had arranged a special treat for citizens in the form of a concert by famous singer and musician Atif Aslam. The highlight of the concert was the appearance of Olympic Gold medallist Arshad Nadeem, who was also presented with an award by Governor Kamran Tessori.

There were also many awards and gifts to be distributed among the people, who braved terrible traffic jams to attend the programme.

Mismanagement also marred the event after security officials restricted the people’s movement. Many visitors, who went inside Governor House to see the concert became stuck and were unable to come out due to the massive crowd and tight security.

Those who were standing outside were unable to go inside while those who were inside were unable to come out of the premises due to closure of passages due to security.

Similarly, all roads leading to the Mazar-i-Quaid also experienced traffic jams as did Sharea Faisal where various political parties were holding rallies.

Change of guards at Quaid’s Mazar

Earlier in the day, an inspiring change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah where the smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Naval Academy cadets assumed guard duties with traditional zeal.

Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commodore Mohammad Khalid graced the occasion as the chief guest while Lieutenant Commander Ahmed Hasan performed the duties of parade commander.

The Corps Commander Karachi, Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar, offered fatiha and laid a wreath at the Mazar-i-Quaid. He was accompanied by senior military officers. He also wrote his remarks in the visitors’ book.

CM, Governor visit Mazar-i-Quaid

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori arrived at the mausoleum for the flag-hoisting ceremony. Speaking to journalists, they extended their heartfelt congratulations to the nation on Independence Day.

The national flag-hoisting ceremony was attended by diplomats of different countries, members of civil society and people of different walks of life.

The CM and the governor interacted with the schoolchildren who were present there and sang the national anthem with the children.

Meanwhile, another flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at the Sindh Assembly building.

Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah, along with MPAs and the opposition leader, performed the flag hoisting.

Mayor’s tree plantation drive

Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab hoisted the national flag and planted a tree at the KMC building, marking the beginning of a tree plantation campaign in Karachi on behalf of the KMC.

On this occasion, Mayor Karachi congratulated all citizens of Karachi on Independence Day.

There were flag-hoisting ceremonies, singing of national songs, tableaux performances and tree plantation drives at a number of educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities.

Events were held at the Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi University, Dow University of Health Sciences and others.

The KU Music Society released a national song, its eighth, ‘Hum Hi Tu Pakistan Hain’ for the audience while the KU Theatre Society presented a drama, and the KU Debate and Dialogue Society arranged speech and quiz competitions.

The National Highways & Motorways Police South Zone, Pakistan Railways and the Karachi Press Club also celebrated the day with great national spirit and enthusiasm.

Many individuals and organisations planted plants and tree saplings on Independence Day.

The residents of Defence and Clifton donated hundreds and thousands of plants and tree saplings on the occasion, which people took away to plant in their lawns and other places.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan also held a programme at Kidney Hill Park to mark Independence Day with its ongoing plantation drive.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2024