ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The nation will celebrate the 68th Independence Day of Pakistan on Thursday (August 14) with enthusiasm and commitment to safeguard the country against any threat and rededication towards nation building as per the vision of the founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
A special parade of the armed forces and fly past ceremony which used to be a permanent feature in the past but could not be held during the last three to four years in the capital due to security reasons will be held at the parliament house in Islamabad tonight, says Radio Pakistan.
The parade ceremony continued at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul each year but now it has been decided that the civilian and military leadership will jointly organize this national event in the future with the spirit of enthusiasm.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who will be chief guest on the occasion will also address the audience. It will also be attended by members of the cabinet, elected representatives and political and military leadership.
On the occasion, fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and helicopters will delight the audience through their spectacular and daring maneuvers.
On Thursday, (August 14), the day will dawn with 31-gun salute in the federal and 21-gun salute at the provincial capitals.
Special prayers will be offered for the prosperity, integrity and solidarity of the country, unity of the Muslim Ummah and for the success of the long drawn struggle of the Kashmiris after Fajr prayers.
It will be a public holiday day throughout the country.
The traditional flag hoisting ceremony will be held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, where President Mamnoon Hussain will hoist the national flag. The prime minister will also be present on the occasion.
The flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held at the provincial capitals and district headquarters besides other important national institutions.
A host of events including seminars, conferences, lectures, debates, speech contests, exhibitions, quiz competitions, stage dramas and Mushairas have been arranged by different organizations in connection with the day.
Meanwhile, all the major public and private buildings, roads and avenues have been decorated with illuminations, national flags, portraits of the national leaders, banners and buntings.
