An impressive change-of-guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the entire nation celebrated 70th Independence Day on Sunday. Smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Naval Academy cadets, clad in ceremonial dresses, assumed ceremonial guard duties at Mazar-e-Quaid on Sunday morning with traditional spirit and customary enthusiasm to mark the Independence Day. The contingent was led by Lt Commander Imran of Pakistan Naval Academy.
Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commodore Adnan Ahmad graced the occasion as chief guest and reviewed the guard. The chief guest and smartly turned out cadets of Pakistan Navy presented Qaumi Salam to the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
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, the chief guest offered Fateha and recorded his remarks in the visitor book and paid rich tribute to our beloved.
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 and to express unity special prayers were offered for Kashmiri brethren too. All naval ships and establishments were decorated and illuminated in Navy’s traditional manner. Singing of national anthem at all naval units/establishments in the morning as well as various sports fixtures were also a part of day long celebrations.
The Independence Day celebrations at Pakistan Navy educational institutions were also held where schoolchildren presented tableaus on national songs and declamation contests were held highlighting the importance of Independence Day. Huge Independence Day ceremonies were held by PN units at Turbat, Gwadar, Makran, Ormara and other coastal areas which were attended by a large number of local people. Pakistan Navy conducted a special Jashan-e-Azadi rally in Turbat with collaboration of Frontier Core.
The change-of-guard ceremony was witnessed by a large of number of military, civil officials, schoolchildren and general public.