An impressive change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the entire nation celebrated 69th Independence Day.
A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Naval Academy cadets clad in ceremonial dresses assumed ceremonial guard duties at Mazar-e-Quaid with traditional spirit, customary enthusiasm and befitting manner to mark the Independence Day celebrations.
The ceremony commenced early morning. Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Foad Amin Baig graced the occasion as chief guest and reviewed the guard. The guard comprised two platoons consisting of 48 cadets and 48 sailors. It was led by Lt Cdr Khurram PN. The smartly turned out cadets of Pakistan Navy presented the guard of honour to the Father of the Nation, Quaid- e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to pay him homage on Independence Day of the country.
The ceremonial guard mounting was followed by floral wreath laying at the Mazar-e-Quaid by the chief guest on behalf of Chief of the Naval Staff, officers and men of Pakistan Navy. Later on, the chief guest offered Fateha and recorded his remarks in the visitor’s book and paid rich tribute to our beloved Quaid.
Earlier, the day dawned with 21 guns salute. Thanks-giving prayers were offered after Namaz-e-Fajr in mosques at all PN units and establishments for solidarity and prosperity of the nation. All naval ships and establishments were decorated and illuminated in Navy’s traditional manner. Various sports fixtures, including cricket, swimming, badminton and athletic contests between PN units, were also a part of day long celebrations.
The ceremony was witnessed by a large of number of military, civil officials, school children and general public.