ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has embraced the colours of its flag as the nation marks its 78th Independence Day on Thursday, with celebrations infused with renewed patriotic fervour following the recent victory in Marka-e-Haq, a decisive military operation against India.
From Islamabad to Karachi, Lahore to Quetta, and across towns and villages, streets, markets, and homes are adorned with national flags, buntings, and decorative lights.
Vendors are doing brisk business in green-and-white merchandise—flags, caps, shirts, toys, and badges—while vehicles and rooftops proudly display the national emblem.
The day will begin with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute at each provincial headquarters.
Special prayers will be offered in mosques for the country’s peace, solidarity, and prosperity. The main flag-hoisting ceremony will take place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will unfurl the national flag.
A highlight of the celebrations will be a defence exhibition at Shakarparian Parade Ground, showcasing the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force’s capabilities.
The display includes tanks, artillery, rocket launchers, radars, armoured carriers, and aircraft that played pivotal roles in Marka-e-Haq under Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
The programme will also feature a Pakistan Air Force flypast, para-jumping demonstrations, cultural performances, and military band displays.
In Karachi, the Sindh government hosted a grand musical concert at the National Stadium, which opened with the national anthem.
Renowned artists Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sajjad Ali, Hadiqa Kiani, Kaifi Khalil, Lyrum Band, Arsalan Sheikh, DJ Saqlain, and Natalia Gul performed.
یوم آزادی اور معرکہ حق کی مناسبت سے ٹاؤن ہال رنگ برنگی روشنیوں سے سجا دیا گیا۔#PakistanIndependenceDay #14August #LahoreShines #DistrictLahore@MaryamNSharif @cmopunjabpk @Marriyum_A @AzmaBokhariPMLN @CS_Punjab @GovtofPunjabPK @commissionerlhr pic.twitter.com/M7XZZkFyyI
— Deputy Commissioner Lahore (@DCLahore) August 13, 2025
Lahore’s iconic Hazoori Bagh and Minar-e-Pakistan are prepared for official ceremonies, while public parks and recreational spaces are decorated to welcome visitors.
اسلام آباد یومِ آزادی اور معرکۂ حق کی تقریبات کے لیے مکمل طور پر تیار 🇵🇰✨
چیئرمین سی ڈی اے و چیف کمشنر اسلام آباد محمد علی رندھاوا کی ہدایت پر، شہر بھر کو برقی قمقموں سے آراستہ کیا گیا ہے، قومی و عوامی مقامات دلکش و پر وقار روشنیوں سے مزین ہیں اور قومی پرچم بلند کیے گئے ہیں۔… pic.twitter.com/JOTeMiWl15
— Capital Development Authority – CDA, Islamabad (@CDAthecapital) August 13, 2025
Islamabad will host cultural celebrations organised by the Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad in collaboration with cultural bodies.
Traditional dance troupes from all provinces will perform at designated venues, alongside art exhibitions, musical evenings, and children’s competitions.
اسلام آباد معرکۂ حق اور یومِ آزادی کی تقریبات کے لیے جگمگا اٹھا ✨🇵🇰
چیئرمین سی ڈی اے و چیف کمشنر اسلام آباد محمد علی رندھاوا کی ہدایات اور ڈائریکٹر DMA و انفورسمنٹ ڈاکٹر انعم فاطمہ کی نگرانی میں، وفاقی دارالحکومت اسلام آباد کے ڈی چوک کو معرکۂ حق اور 14 اگست کی تقریبات کے لیے… pic.twitter.com/l0NZDZL0oC
— Capital Development Authority – CDA, Islamabad (@CDAthecapital) August 12, 2025
Lok Virsa is staging the capital’s largest Independence Day festival, featuring music, food stalls, artisan workshops, folk theatre, Mili Naghma competitions, and a lantern countdown to midnight.
Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control will also observe the day and the victory in Marka-e-Haq.
