ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi on Sunday congratulated the nation including overseas Pakistanis on the joyous occasion of 76th Independence Day.

In his message on Independence Day, he said the value of freedom rested in true democracy and its values.

Afridi said free and living nations celebrate their Independence Day with the renewal of the pledge that they will make their country a welfare state in the true sense.

He added that today we as a nation pledge that the nation as a whole would strive to make Pakistan strong as per the aspirations of the founding father, where everyone regardless of colour, caste and religion will have equal rights and will include this country in the ranks of the developed countries of the world.

The Deputy Chairman Senate further said that the true meaning of life was incomplete without the great blessing of freedom.

He said, “Let us renew our resolve to continue moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Let’s pledge that we will work for the unity and prosperity of Pakistan by following the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam.”

Pakistan, he said is the embodiment of these ideals in the embrace of which the nation enjoys freedom every moment. It also instigates the passion for hoisting the green crescent flag on Independence Day, he added.

“Today is a day of real celebration and I offer my heartiest congratulations to the entire nation,” Mirza Muhammad Afridi said.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): The Pakistani nation is brimming with excitement as it prepares to mark the 76th Independence Day on August 14 (Monday) with a variety of events and activities have been arranged across the country to pay tribute to the relentless struggle of the forefathers and national heroes in their quest for a separate homeland.

The day will commence with special prayers and a 31-gun salute in the federal capital, accompanied by a 21-gun salute in all provincial capitals. A moving moment will envelop the entire nation at 7:58 a.m. as sirens resonate across the country, heralding the grand flag hoisting ceremony at 8 a.m.

Mosques will reverberate with early morning prayers for the prosperity, solidarity, and peace of the nation.
Various public and private sectors departments are geared up to host a range of special functions and activities, including seminars, discussions, photographic exhibitions, artistic displays of paintings and poetry, national song renditions, and vibrant debate competitions.

The spotlight will be on recognizing the tireless contributions of Pakistan Movement leaders and the sacrifices made by national heroes.

Streets and avenues of the federal capital, as well as other cities, are turned into a sea of colors, adorned with flags, banners, and buntings, creating an ambiance of festive jubilation. Prominent public and private edifices are aglow with illuminations, commemorating this significant occasion.

The print and electronic media will reverently spotlight the

indelible contributions of Pakistan Movement heroes, paying homage to their extraordinary dedication.
Islamabad Capital Territory Police as well as provincial governments have finalized traffic management plan for convenience and safety of the general public.

Literary and cultural organizations have chalked out a number of programmes to mark the day. Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) will arrange various programmes on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations.

Similarly, private and public educational institutions will also hold different activities including competitions, functions and sessions to educate the students about the historical struggle behind creation of Pakistan.
The capital city has turned into green and white colour with a large number of Jashan-i-Azadi stalls carrying dresses, flags, bunting, pin badges, toys and other decorative accessories to attract the youngsters and children.

Since Independence Day has assumed the shape of a festival in the country, different brands, online retailers, eateries, cab-hailing services and even electronics companies are offering exciting discount offers, adding more charm to the festivity.