The Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated here as elsewhere in the country with a renewed commitment by people belonging to cross section of population to dedicate their energies for the cause of Pakistan and to get united to face the dangers which the nation was exposed to in the wake of menace of extremism and terrorism.The day dawned with special prayers offered in all the principle masajid for the progress, prosperity, integrity, glory and wellbeing of Pakistan followed by a 21-gun salute in the provincial metropolis.     The day’s main highlight was the impressive flag hoisting ceremony held at the Mausoelum of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah where Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.
The members of Sindh Cabinet, senior provincial officers and city notables were also present on the occasion and watched the falg hoisting ceremony.
Later Both Governor and Chief Minister accompanied by Cabinet Ministers laid wreaths at the Quaid’s Mazar, offered fateha and later recorded their impressions in the visitor’s book. Earlier, the cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy mounted the guard duty at the mausoleum.
The representatives of three services also laid wreaths and offer Fateha at the Quaid’s Mazar.
The independence day celebrations started exactly after midnight when youth and youngsters came out on roads and streets and roared through thoroughfares on their bikes and cars. They were carrying Pakistan flag and chanting slogans of Pakistan Zindabad. A large number of groups of youth and youngsters plunged into jubilations and festivities when they started dancing at round-abouts and main roads to the tunes of national songs.
They attracted the people travelling in their cars and they watched and enjoyed with their performance.
However, this caused serious traffic jams on city roads and people reached their destinations late by hours.
The City was profusely decorated with colourful lightings, bunting and national flags.
Almost all the main public and private buildings, banks, head offices of various organizations were profusely illuminated and gave a festive look. The City’s round-abouts and road sides were also beautifully illuminated and attracted the passersby. It was a public holiday and newspapers brought special supplements highlighting the significance of the day. Radio and Televisions presented special programs on indepedence day.
The ships/units of Pakistan Navy will be decorated and the Commanding Officers of all units of Pakistan Navy will address their officers and men on the significance of the day. `Bara Khana’ will also be arranged at the units on the occasion. Meanwhile, people from all walks of life, including men , women, children, old and young thronged the Quaid’s mausoleum when its gates were opened after the flag hoisting ceremony in the morning and paid tributes to the great Quaid who carved out a separate homeland for them.
A number of educational, social and political organizations had organized programmes to celebrate the Day. Karachi Press Club had arranged an Independence Day programme for its members and their families.