Pakistan marks its Independence Day on August 14 every year, commemorating the liberation of the country from British colonial rule in 1947.
By 1893, modern Pakistan was a part of the British Indian Empire. The Muslim minority in the Hindu-dominated British empire felt insecure and threatened about their identity following the British departure from the Indian Subcontinent.
Therefore, the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent tirelessly struggled for freedom and the nation emerged as a sovereign entity on August 14, 1947, under the charismatic leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Independence Day celebrations
When it comes to celebrations and festivities, Pakistan certainly knows how to throw a fantastic party on its Independence Day.
The special day dawns with a 31-canon salute in the federal capital and a 21-canon salute at all four provincial headquarters by the defence forces, celebrating the Declaration of Independence in 1947.
Afterwards, the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan participate in the national flag-hoisting ceremony at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad, followed by their televised speeches to the nation.
Moreover, Pakistan’s national flag is hoisted on all government offices, educational institutions, and private residences.
The streets, towns, and houses are adorned with green and white lights and national flag pennants. In short, the entire nation is draped in hues of white and green, depicting the nationalist zeal of the citizens.
Additionally, an award ceremony is often held on this day, in which the President confers awards to the citizens of the country for their exceptional work in different fields.
Pakistan’s Flag Symbolism
The Pakistani flag has a vertical white stripe and a green field with a white crescent moon and a five-pointed star in the middle.
The green colour has a darker shade, and it almost covers three-quarters of the flag, while the white on the left side covers one-quarter of the rectangular flag.
Also, the green colour of the flag represents the Muslim majority, and the white colour symbolizes the religious minorities residing in the country.
Moreover, the five-pointed star signifies light and wisdom, and the crescent indicates the progress of the nation.
Pakistan’s National Anthem
The national anthem of any country exhibits a profound nationalistic sense and depicts the history, struggles, and aspirations of that nation.
The Government of Pakistan approved the National Anthem of Pakistan in August 1954. Its patriotic verses highlight the beautiful land of Pakistan as the centre of faith, freedom, and strength for its people.
Pakistan- A land of diversity
Pakistan is a land of diverse and vibrant culture, marked by a beautiful collage of numerous ethnicities, languages, and traditions across its vast geographical expanse.
The South Asian country is located at the crossroads of South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, making it an important strategic actor in facilitating trade and economic connectivity between different regions.
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The land of Pakistan is a melting pot of cultures, owing to its ethnic diversity and colonial influences.
The country’s rich culture is a blend of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, the vibrant heritage of the Mughal Empire, and the artistic legacies of various indigenous communities.
The country is home to different ethnic groups, each with its own distinct cultural, linguistic, and social traditions.
This amazing blend of Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtuns, Baloch, Muhajirs, and other smaller indigenous communities has generated a harmonious symphony of customs, cuisine, and celebrations.
Moreover, Pakistan’s dressing landscape is a diverse mosaic, reflecting the country’s rich cultural variety and regional variations.
Traditional attire, such as the graceful shalwar kameez is worn by both men and women in different styles across various parts of the country.
Tajrak, shoka, juga, ghagra choli, and sherwani are some dresses that reflect the diversity and colour palette of Pakistan’s clothing.
The cuisine of the nation is an aromatic and flavorful fusion of diverse tastes influenced by the long history of foreign invaders and the golden culinary period of the Mughal Empire.
Biryani, made from rice diligently cooked with sizzling meat and spices, is the most popular dish in the country and communicates a story of tradition, family, and community.
Furthermore, Pakistan is a hub of diversity when it comes to skilled arts and crafts. The people of this amazing land create astounding marvels by using simple tools and bare hands.
Traditional artworks, including woodwork, calligraphy, pottery, pashima, carpets, Rilli, blue pottery, and Ajrack, are just a few examples that indicate how beautifully this land plays with colours and materials when it comes to art.
Pakistan’s architecture is a beautiful mixture of indigenous talents and colonial legacies.
Badshai Mosque and the Lahore Fort are some visible representations of Mughal architecture, characterized by round domes, wide halls, and intricate works of marble and tiles.
Furthermore, the Frere Hall, Darbar Mahal, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are some other building wonders depicting the architectural diversity of the country.
Additionally, Pakistan is a symphony of natural wonders, from the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the vast expanse of the Thar Desert, from the lush green valleys of Swat to the pristine beaches of the Balochistan coastline, all contributing to the biodiversity of the country.
The Deosai plains and Attabad Lake of the country exhibit the exact imagery of paradise on Earth.
Moreover, Pakistan is a fertile land when it comes to producing talented minds who have left an indelible mark on various fields, garnering global recognition for their achievements and contributions.
One such example is the strong lady Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and education activist who bravely advocated for girls’ education in the country even in the face of adversity.
In politics, women like Benazir Bhutto and Fatima Ali Jinnah have played pivotal roles, breaking barriers and advocating for gender equality.
When it comes to science, theoretical physicist Abdus Salam was the first Nobel Prize winner for his pioneering work in the field of electroweak unification.
Pakistan is therefore not only a land of natural diversity and vibrant culture, but it also boasts people who possess exceptional knowledge and talent.
