rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), Aug. 10 — Preparations to celebrate Pakistan’s 80th Independence Day on August 14 are in full swing across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with arrangements being finalized in Mirpur and other parts of the territory.
Various social, political and public representative organizations, including forums associated with the Pakistan Movement and Kashmir Freedom Movement, are planning programs to mark the day with traditional enthusiasm and fervor, official sources said Monday.
Speakers and historians attending the ceremonies will highlight the significance of August 14 and the historical importance of Pakistan’s independence. They are also expected to reiterate the Kashmiris’ stated resolve to continue their freedom struggle and their support for the idea of accession of the entire Jammu and Kashmir state to Pakistan.
Altaf H. Nizami, Secretary of the National Events Organizing Committee, told this correspondent that arrangements were being given final touches throughout Mirpur district to celebrate the national day with traditional zeal.
National flag-hoisting ceremonies organized by public and private sector institutions will be a major feature of the celebrations. Pakistan and AJK flags will be hoisted at various locations across the district.
In AJK’s capital, the main flag-hoisting ceremony will be held at the President House, where the acting AJK president will hoist the national flags of Pakistan and AJK.
In Mirpur, a ceremony will be held at the lawn of Mirpur Municipal Corporation on the morning of August 14, where local elected representatives will hoist the flags of Pakistan and AJK.
Private and public buildings across the territory will also be illuminated with colorful lights as part of the celebrations, reflecting the public enthusiasm surrounding the national day.
Meanwhile, reports from across the Line of Control said that people in parts of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir have also begun preparations to observe Pakistan’s Independence Day.
According to the reports, preparations are being made despite security measures and restrictions on gatherings imposed by Indian authorities. People in parts of the Kashmir Valley and several Muslim-majority areas of the Jammu region are reportedly planning activities to express solidarity with Pakistan.
The reports further said that some residents in the occupied territory are expected to hoist Pakistan’s national flag outside their homes as part of the observance.