ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday 14 August 2017, marked 70 years of independence with a patriotic display as government officials and military top brass participated in flag-hoisting ceremonies and laying wreaths at symbolic monuments across the country.
In Islamabad PM ShahidKhaqanAbbasi, along with top generals and foreign dignitaries, presided over a 31-gun salute and flag-raising ceremony. Abbasi in his address to the nation said that The independence that we got 70 years ago was the fruit of the exemplary struggle of our ancestors.”While the President MamnoonHussain in his speech at a ceremony held at the Jinnah Convention Center said that the hoisting of the national flag was to pay tributes to the historic struggle of the leaders of Independence Movement. He further urged the nation to bury their differences and get united for the stability and unity. While COAS vowed to wipe out terrorists and dismantle their hideouts in his independence day message to the nation after hoisting the largest national flag at Wagha border amid patriotic slogans. The Pakistan Air Force organized one of its largest air shows in the country’s history, with visiting aerobatic teams from Turkey and Saudi Arabia joining in the display in Islamabad. A second air show was held at Karachi’s Seaview beach.
Chinese vice premier Wang Yang also participated in the Independence Day Celebrations, addressing a crowd of top government and military officials at Islamabad’s Convention Centre. In Karachi the day begun when the cadets of Pakistan Naval Academy performed the ceremonial guards’ duty at the mausoleum of Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. In Lahore, students cruised through the eastern city´s streets on motorbikes waving flags and screaming “Long live Pakistan!” Azaadi Parade was held in connection with the Independence Day at the Bugti stadium to mark Independence day, where one-minute silence for the Quetta martyrs was observed during the event. National songs played during the event boosted the spirits of the participants, who pledged to foil every conspiracy against the country.
Nation celebrated the festive occasion with fireworks, face-painting, eccentric get-ups, and other fun and games. Salute of 31 guns in the federal and 21 gun salute in provincial capitals marked the day . Special prayers were offered for the prosperity, integrity and solidarity of the country, unity of the Muslim Ummah and success of the long drawn struggle of Kashmiris after Fajr prayers.
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PAKISTAN’S INDEPENDENCE DAY OBSERVED IN OCCUPIED KASHMIR
14 Aug, 2017: In Occupied Kashmir, Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated with the singing of Pakistan’s national anthem and shouting of “Long Live Pakistan” slogans in Srinagar, Shopian, Islamabad, Pulwama, Kulgam, Badgam and other districts of the territory. Special prayers were offered for safety and integrity of Pakistan and freedom of Kashmir from illegal occupation of India.
Parades were held while Pakistan flag was hoisted in the length and breadth of the territory.
Syed Ali Gilani, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, MasarratAalam Butt, AasiyaAndrabi, DrQasimFaktoo and others in their messages greeted the people and the Government of Pakistan on the Day. Syed Ali Gilani said that the Kashmiris were highly grateful to Pakistan for extending its wholehearted moral, political and diplomatic support to their just cause of freedom.
Meanwhile, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world will observe India’s Independence Day, tomorrow, as Black Day to convey the message to international community that India has usurped Kashmiris’ inalienable right to self-determination. The day will be marked by a complete strike in occupied Kashmir, call for which has been jointly given by the resistance leadership.
Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in Srinagar and other parts of the territory to ensure smooth conduct of India’s Independence Day celebrations.
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KASHMIRIS OBSERVE INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY AS BLACK DAY
14 Aug, 2017: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and across the world are observing India’s Independence Day as Black Day on Tuesday.
Curfew and other restrictions have been imposed across the territory, particularly in Srinagar where the main function of India’s Independence Day is to be held, today. Bakshi Stadium, the main venue for the day celebrations, has been sealed in the name of security.
In LalChowk area, at least 10 check-points have been set up to carry out search and frisking operations. All routes leading to the venue have been officially sealed and no vehicle is allowed to pass through the routes leading to the venue.Army and CRPF personnel have been deployed on Srinagar- Jammu highway stretch from Sonwar to Bijbehera and on Srinagar-Baramulla highway. Meanwhile, the joint resistance leadership has strongly condemned the killing of civilians Muhammad Yasin Butt and Owais Ahmed Dar by Indian troops in Shopian. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, protest rallies and demonstrations are also being held to mark the black day. Black flags have been hoisted on various public spots to condemn atrocities by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir. Addressing a big protest demonstration in Muzaffarabad, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minster, Raja Farooq Haider Khan said India has usurped the fundamental rights of millions of Kashmiris and its forces are involved in massive human rights violations in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said a strong, stable and democratic Pakistan is great guarantee for the success of Kashmir liberation struggle. Later, the participants of the protest demonstration marched towards the BurhanMuzaffarWaniShaheedChowk. On the occasion, different resolutions were unanimously passed urging the United Nations to stop genocide of Kashmiri people by Indian army and allow Kashmiris to exercise their birth right, right to self determination. Protest rallies were also held at Mirpur, Kotli, Bagh, Rawalakot, Bhimbher, Neelam valley, Jhelum valley, Haveili, Sudhanoti and other small and major towns across AJK. In Mirpur, a big protest rally was held under the leadership of AJK Minister for Sports Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed.