Mirpur: Preparations to celebrate Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day on August 14 have reached their peak across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with people and organizations gearing up to mark the national day with traditional zeal and fervour. The day will be observed as a public holiday across the liberated territory.
A large number of colourful programmes, including rallies, seminars, symposiums and exhibitions, are being organized by social, political and public representative organizations, as well as forums associated with the Pakistan and Kashmir freedom movements. Speakers at these events will highlight the significance of Independence Day and reiterate the Kashmiris’ resolve to continue their struggle for the right to self-determination and the liberation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In the AJK capital, as well as district and tehsil headquarters, major flag-hoisting ceremonies will be held, with the national flags of Pakistan and AJK raised to commemorate the historic emergence of Pakistan as an independent homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Sales points offering Pakistan and AJK flags, banners, badges and other national-day items have also been established in cities and towns, attracting people preparing to celebrate the occasion.
In Mirpur, the main flag-hoisting ceremony will be held at the lawn of Mirpur Municipal Corporation on the morning of August 14. The Kashmir Press Club Mirpur, in coordination with the Jammu Kashmir Free Media Association (JKFMA), will also organize a special ceremony to express solidarity with the people and government of Pakistan. Speakers will highlight the role of Kashmiri journalists in the Pakistan Movement and Kashmir freedom struggle. Meanwhile, Pakistan and AJK flags will be hoisted at public and private buildings across the district, while buildings will be illuminated with colourful lights as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
