67th Independence Day today

MUHAMMAD SALEEM

LAHORE: The nation is celebrating its 67th Independence Day today with great fervour and enthusiasm amid stringent security cover across the country.

The day will begin with a 31-gun salute at federal Capital and 21-gun salute at all provincial capitals.

After Fajr prayers, special prayers will be offered for the peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country and success of the struggle of Kashmiris.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will hoist Pakistani flag at 9:00 a.m. at Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad. Afterward, the PM will give his Independence Day message to the nation.

Provincial chief ministers will hoist national flags at the provincial headquarters.

Flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held at Pakistan’s missions abroad.

Educational institutions will organize functions, while sports events, walks and other programmes will be held.

Security has also been beefed up in the federal and provincial capitals and other major cities while policemen will be deployed at important and sensitive places. Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) will organize a puppet show, speech, tableau, national song competitions and painting exhibitions in Islamabad and Lahore.

Newspapers will bring out special supplements to highlight salient features of Pakistan Movement while TV and radio channels will broadcast special programmes on the day.

Keeping alive previous traditions, all the government and private buildings have been illuminated. Rallies, processions and colourful functions under the aegis of various public and private sector, social and political organizations in all small and major towns and cities of the country will be the hallmark of the day.