Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Preparations have been completed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to observe ‘Jashn-e-Azadi’ with enthusiasm. Political parties, the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Pakistan Sports Board are organising several events on Independence Day.

To celebrate the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan, the political parties are preparing to hold separate events in twin cities. Whereas, the main roads are being decorated with national flags containing patriotic slogans in addition to pictures of national leaders.

However, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has not organised any major show in Rawalpindi on Independence Day because it has already utilised its energies on former PM Nawaz Sharif’s GT Road march.

Awami Muslim League president Shaikh Rasheed Ahmed has announced to hold his traditional Azadi Night show at Liaqat Bagh in Rawalpindi instead of Lal Hawali’s venue.

His party, with help from the Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf, is fully prepared to gather a massive crowd, where Imran Khan is also expected to address.

On the other side, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party is going to hold a public rally at Sector G-8 in Islamabad to celebrate the Independence Day.

Former PM Raja Pervaiz Ashraf will be the chief guest at the event along with other party leaders.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army Museum near GHQ will be open to the general public from 9am to 4pm on Independence Day.

A musical night is scheduled in the Rawalpindi Arts Council by Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation. Rawalpindi Mayor Sardar Naseem will be the chief guest on the occasion.

The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) will also organise a mega musical night on Sunday in connection with the 70th Independence anniversary. The event includes musical performances representing colours of Pakistan along with performance by Turkish artists. Renowned singers from all the four provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, will also participate in the music night.

The federal capital has also been decorated with the banners on Independence Day celebrations from Mayor of Islamabad Shaikh Ansar Aziz.

The MCI is going to organise a ceremony at the newly-built multi-purpose parade ground in Islamabad on Azadi Night.

While talking to Daily Times, Director Public Relations Mazhar Hussain said: “We are going to organise a gathering on the site, where extensive fireworks will be demonstrated on the night of 13th August to celebrate the independence of our beloved country.”

In connection with Azadi celebrations, the CDA is organising a number of colourful events including a table tennis tournament, a youth award show at the Pak-China Friendship Centre, and a three-day Azadi Mela at Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9).

Furthermore, Azadi Tourist Train from F-9 Park to Lake View Park, a bird show at Lake View Park, a cultural show at Arts and Craft Village will also be organised by the authority.

Roadside stalls have also been set up to sell national flags, batches and t-shirts.

The Punjab government has announced to 50 percent off on tickets of chair lifts in Murree on Independence Day.

The PSB will organise a series of exhibition matches in Islamabad on Sunday and Monday to mark the 70th Independence anniversary of the country in a befitting manner.

A friendly football and hockey match will be played on Sunday between Pakistan Whites and Pakistan Greens. Similarly, a basketball match will also be held on Monday.

Published in Daily Times, August 14^th 2017.