Pakistan’s independence day

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Pakistan’s independence day (Urdu: یوم آزادی or Youm-e-Azadi) is a national holiday held on 14 August to celebrate Pakistan’s independence from the Subcontinent and British Raj.

The official festivities usually take place in Islamabad and commence with the raising of the national flag on the President and Prime Minister Presidential and Parliament buildings and later the leaders deliver speeches that are televised live. In the speech, they highlight the achievements of the government, goals set for the future and in the words of the father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, bring “Unity, Faith and Discipline” to its people.
In the capital Islamabad and in all major cities of Pakistan the Government Offices are lit up as well as all the larger skyscrapers. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs take place in all the provincial capitals. In the cities around the country the Flag Hoisting Ceremony is done by the Nazim (Mayor) belonging to that constituency. In various private organisations the Flag Hoisting Ceremony is carried out by a Senior officer of that organisation. Schools and colleges around the country organize flag hosting ceremony and various cultural activities within their respective premises. Families and friends get together for lunch or dinner, or for an outing. Housing colonies, cultural centers, and societies hold entertainment programs and competitions.
Other events include: Changing of the guard at the mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mazar-e-Quaid,Wagah Border ceremonies, fashion and musical concerts, both sides releasing prisoners that may have crossed each others borders.

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