KARACHI: An air of festivity swept through the streets of the coastal city with the national flag fluttering on top of public and private buildings and vehicles on Friday, as many youngsters danced on roads and moving trucks to the tunes of national songs.

The unusual enthusiasm was also witnessed on the green lawns of the Quaid-i-Azam mausoleum and many other public places which were filled by huge crowds, mostly comprising the youth, as political parties also took out rallies which all concluded at the mausoleum after passing through various parts of the city.

In an early morning visit to the Quaid-i-Azam mausoleum, Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and senior party leaders paid homage to the Father of the Nation and offered Fateha.

PPP pays tribute to personnel of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Rangers and policemen

Strict security measures were in place then as the public was not allowed to visit the mausoleum till the departure of Mr Bhutto-Zardari.

A statement later issued by the Sindh PPP media cell said: “The people of Karachi are celebrating this year’s Independence Day in an absolutely different and peaceful atmosphere due to the ongoing operation led by Pakistan Rangers and initiated by the government.

“The City of Lights has different significance of this year’s celebrations. The PPP pays tribute to soldiers of Pakistan army, Pakistan Rangers and policemen whose sacrifices have ensured this freedom and prosperity to the country.”

The Jamaat-i-Islami organised more than 12 rallies in different districts, while a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the party headquarters, Idara Noor-i-Haq, where a large number of workers and party leaders turned up.

“The spirit which we are witnessing today reminds us of the one which was witnessed during the Pakistan movement,” the statement quoted JI Karachi chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rahman as saying.

“The same spirit is required to implement the philosophy of Pakistan and fulfill the dreams of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and other leaders of the nation.”

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) had organised a musical programme in Jinnah Ground near the party headquarters. Later, MQM senior leader Dr Farooq Sattar spoke to a rally in Landhi No 6.

Dozens of Jamaat-ud-Dawa workers led by senior leader Muzammil Hashmi rallied from Safari Park to the Mazar-i-Quaid.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf said “thousands of people” attended the rallies organised in all districts of the metropolis and all the participants later converged on the Mazar-i-Quaid.

A cake ceremony was organised by the Majlis-i-Wahdat-i-Muslimeen at its camp near the Mazar-i-Quaid.

“It was a 68-pound cake and the ceremony was attended by senior MWM leaders, including Nasir Shirazi, Allama Anwar Ali and Allama Sadiq Jafri. The leaders later visited the Mazar-i-Quaid and offered Fateha,” said an MWM statement.

At Nagan Chowrangi, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat held a rally which was addressed by senior leaders, including Taj Muhammad Hanfi and Maulana Khalid Mahmood.

Earlier, some 50 children aged between 12 and 15 years took part in a programme organised to celebrate Independence Day at the British deputy high commission.

British acting deputy high commissioner Gill Atkinson said: “Seeing these children here today – representing the future of Pakistan – enjoying themselves and celebrating the independence day with us reflects the close ties between the UK and Pakistan. It is partnership that is set to become even stronger and more important as we continue to work together for mutual prosperity.”

The children participated in many fun activities such as making pizza and cup cakes, musical chairs, a magic show, and face painting.

On Thursday night, a mushaira was organised at the Karachi Press Club, where Amjad Islam Amjad, Fahmida Riaz, Ejaz Rehmani, Prof Inayat Ali Khan, Alauddin Hamdam Khanzada, Fazil Jamili, Rashid Noor and others recited their poetry.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2015

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