by Gulrukh Tausif

Created on: August 21, 2009   Last Updated: September 25, 2009

"The story of Pakistan, its struggle and its achievement, is the very story of great human ideals, struggling to survive in the face of great odds and difficulties."

Quaid-e-Azam's address to the people in Chittagong, 23rd March, 1948.

14th August 1947 signaled the end of a long, dark night and the dawn of a new era for the Muslims of the subcontinent. After a long and relentless political struggle under the charismatic guidance of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Muslims of the subcontinent had a free, sovereign country that they could call their homeland. Pakistan came into existence with horrible loss of life and property, communal riots with millions of Muslim refugees pouring in from India, and many crises that threatened to overwhelm the newly formed state.

Each year, the Pakistani nation celebrates its Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervor and a renewed commitment to make Pakistan a strong and prosperous country. 14th August is a national holiday in Pakistan. The day dawns with special prayers in mosques for the peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

Independence Day celebrations begin with a 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital, Islamabad and 21-gun salute in all the four provincial capitals. At 7:58am all vehicular traffic comes to a halt for two minutes with sounds of sirens filling the air. Everything comes to a standstill while national anthem is played at 8am.

A large number of colorful events are held across the country to celebrate the Independence Day in a befitting manner. Homage is paid to those who had sacrificed everything to help create an independent nation.

The main event of the day is a flag-hoisting ceremony in the capital where the sitting Prime Minister or the president hoists the national flag. A simple but impressive change of the guard ceremony is also held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan in Karachi.

Flag hoisting ceremonies are held in all the provincial capitals. Patriotic speeches are made where people are exhorted to work ceaselessly and sincerely for the progress of Pakistan. Schools and colleges also hold special functions to commemorate the day.

All the government and private buildings throughout the country are illuminated with fairy lights. People decorate their houses, shopping centers and offices with national flags, banners, lights, paintings, buntings and balloons. Almost all buildings across the country proudly display the national

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