KARACHI: An impressive Change of Guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the entire nation celebrated the 71st anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence.
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 military manners to mark the Independence Day celebrations.
Pakistan Naval Academy Commandant, Commodore Viqar Muhammad graced the occasion as the chief guest and reviewed the guard. He along with cadets of the Pakistan Navy presented a Qaumi Salam to the Quaid. The ceremonial guard mounting was followed by laying of a floral wreath at the Mazar-e-Quaid. Later on, the Commodore offered fateha and recorded his remarks in the visitor book.
Earlier, the day dawned with gun salutes and special prayers were offered in all Naval mosques for solidarity and progress of the country and particularly for the success of Kashmiri struggle.
Pakistan Navy ships and establishments were illuminated in the Navy’s traditional manner. Flag hoisting ceremonies were held at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Coastal Area at designated units of the Pakistan Navy.
Various other activities including the singing of national anthem at naval units in the morning, PN band display and flag hoisting ceremony at Pakistan Maritime Museum, boat rallies at Karachi Harbour as well as, various sports fixtures were also a part of the day-long celebrations.
Celebrations at Pakistan Navy educational institutions were also held where school children presented tableaus on national songs and declamation contests were held highlighting the importance of the day.
Numerous ceremonies were also held by PN units at Ormara, Pasni, Gwadar, Jiwani, and Turbat and other coastal areas, including fishing boats special rallies. An Independence Day walk and race was also organised in Ormara.
On the occasion of Pakistan Day, the President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain has also approved military and civil awards to officers, CPOs/sailors and civilians of Pakistan Navy. The awards include three Hilal-e-Imtiaz, 14 Sitara-e-Imtiaz, 12 Tamgha-e Imtiaz and eight Tamgha-e-Basalat.
In addition, 10 awards of Imtiazi Sanad and 61 awards of Tamgha-e-Khidmat have also been approved upon master chief petty officers, chief petty officers and sailors. Letter of Commendation from the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) has also been awarded to 58 officers, master chief petty officers, chief petty officers/sailors and civilians.