Pakistan celebrates 69th Independence Day

President Mamnoon Hussain in his message also felicitated the nation on Independence Day emphasizing forging unity in their ranks to achieve the very objectives of the creation of Pakistan.

According to the resolution, “This House pays tribute to the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who in his historical speech on “Minorities Day” promised all the minorities of Pakistan equal rights”.

While nobody was privy to the decision to make August 14, one day before India as the chosen day to celebrate independence in Pakistan, it could have been motivated by the post-independence bloodshed that followed the massive migration on both sides of the border. Special prayers were also offered for peace, prosperity‚ integrity and solidarity of the country, and for success in war on terror and the long drawn struggle of Kashmiris.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged the nation to move forward while not repeating the mistakes done in the past to make the country a prosperous and self-reliant.

The main flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Convention Center in Islamabad at 8:59 am. An editorial in The News worldwide, “A New Roadmap”, said this Independence Day on August 14 “we need to talk about why this country was created and how far we have strayed from that aim”. The event was brought forth by the Indian Independence Act 1947 under which the British Raj gave independence to the Dominion of Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan) which comprised West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

In his message on Independence Day, the chief minister urged the nation to unite against the anti-Pakistan elements.

In occupied Kashmir, the veteran Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani, greeted the people and the government of Pakistan on the eve of their Independence Day.

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