KARACHI – Pakistanis are celebrating the country’s 77th Independence Day today (August 14), marking the country’s creation when the British left India and split the subcontinent in 1947. The day dawned with thirty-one guns salutes at the federal capital and twenty-one guns salutes at the provincial headquarters. Pakistan cricketers, including skipper Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, also congratulated the nation and shared the messages on social media. Happy Independence Day to all our Pakistanis ???? ✨ pic.twitter.com/KCTlcgTAC0 — Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) August 14, 2023In his message Shaheen Afridi wrote: “May the future hold more prosperity and harmony among us.

His speech was an amalgamation of hope, history, and a vision for a resurgent Pakistan. Drawing attention to the traditions of the nation, COAS Gen Asim Munir praised the enduring spirit of the country's inhabitants. In an era of divisive narratives, COAS General Asim Munir passionately highlighted the Pakistan Army’s unwavering allegiance to the nation. General Syed Asim Munir cautioned against aggressive designs and the perils of being blinded by ambition. In a poignant conclusion to his address, COAS General Syed Asim Munir addressed the troops, commending them for their discipline and dedication.

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistani nation is brimming with excitement as it prepares to mark the 76th Independence Day today (Monday) with a variety of events and activities have been arranged across the country to pay tribute to the relentless struggle of the forefathers and national heroes in their quest for a separate homeland. The day will commence with special prayers and a 31-gun salute in the federal capital, accompanied by a 21-gun salute in all provincial capitals. The spotlight will be on recognizing the tireless contributions of Pakistan Movement leaders and the sacrifices made by national heroes. Prominent public and private edifices are aglow with illuminations, commemorating this significant occasion. The print and electronic media will reverently spotlight the indelible contributions of Pakistan Movement heroes, paying homage to their extraordinary dedication.

People carry a giant Pakistani flag while watching ´Beating the Retreat´ ceremony on the eve of the country´s Independence Day celebrations at the Pakistan-India Wagah border post, about 35km from Lahore on August 13, 2023. Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) will arrange various programmes on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations. Meanwhile, outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the nation is celebrating the 76th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence today (August 14). In his message for the Independence Day, he said on this auspicious occasion, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation including overseas Pakistanis. Meanwhile, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi has extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation on the occasion of the 76th Independence Day.

"The president has belittled the august office by acting as a worker of the PTI, one who is beholden to Imran Niazi more than the Constitution," says Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. PHOTO: FILEPresident Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the Pakistani nation to employ the lesson of unity and self-belief to chart the way forward and work wholeheartedly for the development of the country. In their separate messages on the occasion of the Independence Day of the country, being celebrated on Monday (today), they congratulated all compatriots on the 76th Independence Day anniversary. "There is a need for unity to cope with the social, political, economic and security challenges. The prime minister emphasised that unity was one of the most remarkable aspects of Pakistan's independence that emerged from a diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and ethnicities.

PHOTO: ISPRChief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has said that the Pakistan Army has fought a long battle with external and internal enemies, and will continue to fight in future as well for as long as needed. I stand here tonight, not to define these challenges being confronted, but to give a message of hope to our great nation. He said that, wherever required, the Pakistan Army shall contribute towards the comprehensive national security of the county and national development efforts. Read more: COAS lauds 'battle worthiness' of troops on visit to firing range"Pakistan Army, as a national army, takes pride in its unwavering commitment to the people of Pakistan. Attempts to drive a wedge between the army and nation are reprehensible, and will never succeed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his farewell address, said that continuation of policies is necessary for economic progress. PHOTO: TWITTER/ @Marriyum_APrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his last address to the nation on Sunday, defended the legal and constitutional credential of his 16-month government, which he said, successfully averted the threat of default. He congratulated Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on his appointment as the caretaker prime minister of the country. The prime minister expressed dismay over the orchestrated destruction of memorials and public assets. He maintained that if his government’s economic policies continued, a significant reduction in inflation would be witnessed.

KARACHI-Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Independence Day has urged the nation to work together to end the hatred and division from society as well as work hard to make Pakistan a country that other nations of the world can give examples of its democracy and prosperity. While extending greetings to the nation on Independence Day, he expressed good wishes for all Pakistanis. He said that today is the day to pay homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his companions, who struggled for freedom under his leadership and made sacrifices. Bilawal said that his party is the true torchbearer of the ideology and principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who was a unique democrat and statesman believed in religious tolerance. “President Asif Ali Zardari, as head of state, followed Quaid-e-Azam’s golden principles of decentralization of powers and equitable distribution of resources by devolving his powers to the parliament and gifting federal units with a unified NFC award.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir (Centre) attends Azadi Parade at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul on August 13, 2023. — ISPRChief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has urged the nation to reject despondency, propaganda of naysayers and fear mongers who are wagging a "failed attempt to foment despair and hopelessness". The army chief reassured the people that the military will never hesitate from any sacrifice in preserving our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are Pakistanis first and foremost, and we are all proud of our country and this great nation. Always remember, Pakistan is our identity, and the rationale to exist -– Pakistan hai, to hum hain!," the army chief concluded.More to come...

ISLAMABAD: All is set as the Nation is celebrating Independence Day today with a renewed pledge to work with the spirit of Pakistan Movement to make the country a true Islamic welfare state. Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television will highlight the services of heroes of Pakistan Movement on the day and pay tributes to their extra ordinary contributions for making Pakistan a reality. People are purchasing national flags, portraits of founding fathers, posters and banners as part of the celebration of Independence Day. Islamabad Police have meticulously outlined a comprehensive security and traffic strategy for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 14th. Forest areas in the city will undergo thorough scanning using advanced security equipment, while mounted security personnel will conduct patrols on horseback throughout the city.

Outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is addressing the nation in this still taken from a video on August 13, 2023. — YouTube/GeoNewsOutgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government is handing over power in a constitutional way after “successfully rescuing the sinking boat of the economy”. He said this while addressing the nation on the eve of likely handover of power to caretaker Prime Minister-designate Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, who is likely to take the oath of office tomorrow (Monday). Speaking about the PDM’s 16-month rule, the premier said he protected the national interests and rescued the sinking economy by bringing the country back to its peaceful shores”. “Selfish people loved only their own political gains.”PDM performanceIn the same address, the prime minister highlighted the performance of the coalition government during its 16-month rule.

The Nation will celebrate Independence Day on Monday with a renewed pledge to work with the spirit of Pakistan Movement to make the country a true Islamic welfare state. The day will dawn with thirty-one gun salute at the Federal Capital and twenty-one gun salute at the provincial headquarters. The main feature of the celebrations will be a national flag hoisting ceremony in Islamabad. Similar flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held at provincial, divisional and district headquarters level throughout the country. Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television will highlight the services of heroes of Pakistan Movement on the day and pay tributes to their extra ordinary contributions for making Pakistan a reality.

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is delivering a farewell speech to the nation tonight, as the coalition government has completed its tenure. In his goodbye address, the premier apprised the masses about the 16-month performance of the PDM government. Sharif, 71, also discussed dilapidating the economy and political situation in his address and is expected to highlight steps taken by PDM government. PM’s farewell guard of honour postponedThe farewell guard of honour of the outgoing prime minister has been postponed till August 14 as it was scheduled to take place on Sunday. Caretaker PM-designate Kakar will be sworn in at the President's House in Islamabad on August 14 at 3pm.

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited the coali­tion parties in his outgoing government to sit together and ponder over the possi­bility of seats adjustment in the upcoming elections. Reflecting on the past, Shehbaz Sharif recalled a time when Pakistani dra­mas and films enjoyed popularity in neighbor­ing countries. Prime Minis­ter Shehbaz Sharif under­scored the significance of culture and art in enriching society, recounting names of notable films and artistes. The event saw Prime Min­ister Shehbaz Sharif distrib­uting health cards to five ar­tistes as a symbolic gesture. Youth fu­ture builders of nation: PM Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Saturday congratu­lated youth on the Interna­tional Youth Day and said new generation was future builder of the nation.

Left guard Xavier Delgado was taken aback by one of Mizzou football’s newcomers along the offensive line at the beginning of training camp. “That’s probably the biggest human being I’ve ever seen on a football field besides maybe (former Georgia defensive lineman) Jordan Davis. “(Reichert is) a great dude and he’s going to get good,” Delgado said. … “He’s got good size, good speed. I came in early as well, in January, and that’s what really helps, getting those spring practices.