Pakistan Celebrates 79th Independence Day with Patriotic Zeal and Military Parades
Islamabad:The **79th Independence Day of Pakistan** is being celebrated across the country today with **patriotic enthusiasm** and traditional fervor. The day began with **21-gun salutes** in major cities and **special prayers** at mosques for the nation’s prosperity, unity, and peace.
At **midnight**, celebrations erupted throughout the country, marking the beginning of Pakistan’s 79th year of independence. Streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces were lit up in **green and white**, while **fireworks** and **flag-hoisting ceremonies** took place in cities like **Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, and Multan**.
### **Central Ceremony in Islamabad**
A **grand national ceremony** was held at the **Jinnah Sports Complex** in Islamabad, titled *”Youm-e-Azadi aur Ma’raka-e-Haq ki Fateh”*.
Key dignitaries present included:
* **President Asif Ali Zardari**
* **Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif**
* **Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force**
* **Cabinet members**, **senators**, **members of the National Assembly**, and **foreign diplomats**
The ceremony featured:
* **Impressive march past** by troops from the **Pakistan Army, Navy, Air Force**, **Punjab Rangers**, and **FC Khyber Pakhtunkhwa**
* **Military music bands** from all three armed services
* **Unveiling of the “Ma’raka-e-Haq” Memorial model** by the Prime Minister
### **Gun Salutes and Guard Change Ceremonies**
* In **Lahore** and **Quetta**, the day began with **21-gun salutes** and **special Fajr prayers** for national progress and peace.
* **Ceremonies for guard changes** were held at **Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi** and **Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore**.
### **President and Military Leaders Extend Greetings**
President **Asif Ali Zardari**, in his Independence Day message, congratulated the nation on the **78th anniversary of freedom**, calling it a **symbol of courage, unity, and sacrifice**.
He highlighted Pakistan’s recent defense against **foreign aggression**, emphasizing **wisdom, restraint, and strength** in response to **India’s unwarranted hostility**.
> “Today, the world views Pakistan as a peace-loving nation that stands firm against pressure,” the President said.
### **Armed Forces’ Message to the Nation**
According to **ISPR**, the service chiefs – **COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir**, **CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza**, **CNS Admiral Naveed Ashraf**, and **CAS Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu** – extended heartfelt **Independence Day greetings** to the nation.
> “This day symbolizes our unity, resolve, and commitment to a brighter future,” the statement read.
> “The armed forces salute the founding leaders and brave soldiers who laid the foundation of this homeland.”
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