rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), Aug. 9 — Preparations to celebrate Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day on Aug. 14 have reached a peak across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with people preparing to mark the national day with traditional zeal, enthusiasm and patriotic spirit.
The day will be observed as a public holiday throughout AJK, while colourful programmes are being planned by social, political and public organizations, as well as forums associated with the Pakistan and Kashmir freedom movements.
The programmes will include flag-hoisting ceremonies, rallies, seminars, symposiums and exhibitions highlighting the significance of Pakistan’s independence. Speakers from different walks of life are expected to reiterate solidarity with Pakistan and emphasize the Kashmiris’ continued struggle for their political aspirations and right to self-determination.
A major flag-hoisting ceremony will be held in the AJK capital, while similar events are planned at district and tehsil headquarters across the territory. National flags of Pakistan and AJK are being displayed, with stalls selling flags, banners, posters and badges being established in towns and cities.
In Mirpur, arrangements are underway across the district to mark the occasion. The main flag-hoisting ceremony will be held at the Mirpur Municipal Corporation lawn on the morning of Aug. 14, where the flags of Pakistan and AJK will be hoisted.
The Kashmir Press Club Mirpur, in coordination with the Jammu Kashmir Free Media Association (JKFMA), will also organize a special ceremony. Speakers will discuss the role of Kashmiri journalists in the Pakistan Movement and the Kashmir freedom struggle before and after 1947.
The ceremony will also emphasize the contribution of journalists in raising awareness about Kashmir and strengthening professional media efforts. Participants are expected to reaffirm solidarity with Pakistan and highlight the importance of responsible journalism in presenting the Kashmir issue to national and international audiences.
Private and public-sector buildings across AJK are being decorated with national flags, while multicoloured lights will illuminate buildings as part of the celebrations. Markets and public spaces are also being prepared for the occasion, adding a festive atmosphere across major towns.
The programmes are expected to reflect the longstanding bonds between the people of AJK and Pakistan and their participation in commemorating the country’s Independence Day. The celebrations will also provide an opportunity for communities to remember the sacrifices associated with Pakistan’s creation and reaffirm their commitment to national unity, peace and progress.