Grand ceremony in Islamabad today to mark start of Independence Day celebrations

A special grand ceremony will be held at the Jinnah Sports Stadium in Islamabad at 8:00 PM today to mark the start of the celebrations of the country’s Independence Day as well as Pakistan’s victory over India during the recent military confrontation between the two countries, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.  

Quoting its sources, the channel reported that President Asif Ali Zardari would be the chief guest on the occasion, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chiefs of the three armed forces will also be in attendance. 

Besides, they added, a large number of Pakistani as well as foreign dignitaries were expected to attend the ceremony.

The ceremony will feature a military parade, a special performance by a band of the Army’s School of Music, a fly-past besides other programmes, sources said, adding the prime minister would also unveil the ‘Maarka-i-Haq’ monument on the occasion.  

They informed that the military contingents of Azerbaijan and Turkey would also participate in the event.   

All routes leading to the venue for the ceremony have been illuminated and decorated with banners. 

The ceremony would be shown on Pakistan Television live. 

Parade by the three armed forces and a fly past are also part of the ceremony.

In celebration of the victory in Marka-e-Haq, the Prime Minister will also unveil Marka-e-Haq Monument during the event.

Military contingents from friendly countries Türkiye and Azerbaijan are specially participating in the Independence Day grand celebrations.

Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing across the country to celebrate the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan and victory in Marka-e-Haq in a befitting manner on Thursday. 

Buildings have been decorated with national flags, buntings and lights. People have displayed national flags on their vehicles and rooftop of their houses.  

Stalls set up at markets and along roads across the country are selling national flags, buntings, caps, and children's clothing in green and white.

The success of Pakistan against India in the operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos under Marka-e-Haq has added colors to this year's Independence Day celebrations.

Reporter: Hashir Warraich