Victory Monument Ceremony Underway in Islamabad
News Desk
Islamabad: A ceremony to inaugurate the Victory Monument has begun in Islamabad, bringing together personnel from Pakistan’s armed forces and security forces from across the country.
Alongside the armed forces, contingents from the Civil Armed Forces and provincial forces are taking part in the ceremony, with troops from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa represented.
Police contingents from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are also participating, highlighting the nationwide representation at the event.
The ceremony marks the formal inauguration of the Victory Monument in the federal capital, with personnel from different regions assembling to mark the occasion.
News Desk
Islamabad: From illuminated government buildings and decorated highways to fireworks, concerts and heightened security, Pakistan is gearing up for its 79th Independence Day with cities across the country taking on a distinctly green-and-white look.
The celebrations are set to begin at midnight, with major cities preparing a mix of public events, fireworks and cultural programmes to mark August 14.
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Parliament House, the President’s Office, Prime Minister’s Secretariat and other prominent buildings have been illuminated with green and white lights and national flags. Constitution Avenue and other key roads have also been decorated with LED screens, flags and colourful lighting, attracting residents eager to experience the festive atmosphere.
In Karachi, the preparations have extended from major thoroughfares to historic landmarks. The mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah has been specially illuminated, while Shahrah-e-Faisal and MA Jinnah Road have been decorated with national flags and lights.
Stalls selling flags, badges and caps have appeared at intersections and along footpaths, with children and adults joining the celebrations. National songs playing across the city have added to the festive mood.
Lahore has also been transformed ahead of Independence Day. The Lahore Development Authority has decorated major roads, intersections, government offices and entry points with green and white lights and flags.
Thokar Niaz Baig, the railway station area, Johar Town, Avenue One, Zahoor Elahi Roundabout, Adda Plot and LDA City are among the locations receiving special decorations.
The historic Punjab Assembly building has been illuminated in green, while Liberty Chowk and other public spaces are hosting celebrations. Fireworks are planned at Greater Iqbal Park, Dolmen Mall Defence, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Adda Plot and Liberty Market, alongside musical programmes in Liberty Market and Defence.
Across Punjab, development authorities and horticulture agencies have also launched beautification drives, decorating highways, green belts, parks and public spaces in the national colours. Similar arrangements have been made in Faisalabad, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan.
But behind the colourful celebrations is an extensive security operation.
IG Punjab Abdul Karim said more than 300 Independence Day events across the province would receive security cover, with over 28,000 police personnel deployed for security and traffic management.
Police teams will include 306 elite teams, 177 quick response force teams and 911 motorcycle patrol units, while 829 police vehicles will remain on patrol. Authorities will also deploy 128 walk-through gates and 1,122 metal detectors at event venues.
In Lahore alone, more than 8,000 police officers and personnel have been assigned to security duties.
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority will monitor events through its surveillance cameras, while police have been instructed to maintain enhanced security at inter-provincial entry and exit points.
As the clock moves towards midnight, Pakistan’s major cities are preparing for a night of lights, flags and celebrations — while authorities remain focused on ensuring that the festivities pass safely and peacefully.
