Pakistan is celebrating its Independence Day on August 14, 2020 despite the Covid-19 pandemic. CPSC wishes its Pakistani colleagues a warm and auspicious commemoration of this event.

History

Independence Day is observed annually on 14 August and is a national holiday in Pakistan, commemorating the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign nation, following the end of the British Raj in 1947. Pakistan came into existence as a result of the Pakistan Movement; the Pakistan Movement aimed for creation of an independent Muslim state by division of the north-western region of the South Asia and was led by All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The event was brought forth by the Indian Independence Act 1947 in which the British Indian Empire gave independence to the Dominion of Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan) which included West Pakistan (present Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Pakistan is celebrating its Independence Day on August 14, 2020 despite the Covid-19 pandemic. CPSC wishes its Pakistani colleagues a warm and auspicious commemoration of this event.

In the Islamic calendar, the day of independence coincided with Ramadan 27, the eve of which is regarded as sacred by Muslims. The main ceremony takes place in Islamabad, where the national flag is hoisted at the Presidential and Parliament buildings, which is followed by the national anthem, and live televised speeches by leaders. Usual celebratory events on this day include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and the playing of patriotic songs. A number of award ceremonies are often held on this day, and citizens often hoist the national flag atop their homes or display it prominently on their vehicles and attire.

2020 Celebrations

(Tariq Ullah Wardak, 30 July 2020). Pakistan National Council of the Arts has chalked out different programs to be presented online to celebrate Independence Day. These programs include an online painting competition and declamation contest among children. “Eid Kay Mehmaan” children are invited to send their speech on topic “Hum Zinda Qaum Hain” by 12th of August to PNCA. For painting competition, they have to send their works in any medium on “Hum Sab ka Pakistan”. Exhibition of photographs will bring different prominent personality of showbiz, performing arts and culture to homes of their fans where they can get to know more about them and have a chat with them. The PNCA website launching, musical program Sur Sajan, short film contest, and Children film festival are also part of the Independence Day Celebrations.

A special Eid show was recorded at the PNCA auditorium. Popular folk singers Javed Niazi and Babar Niazi presented folk and national songs. Dancers of the National performing arts group added colors to the program by presenting regional and cultural dances. Renowned violinist Ustad Raees Ahmed presented tunes popular national songs. Renowned artist Laila Zuberi and Batin Farooqi participated in the program, while Shamoon Hashmi commenced the program.

The Director General of PNCA Dr. Fauzia Saeed while speaking on the importance of Independence Day program said that PNCA remained active during the ongoing pandemic period to keep the artists and art lovers connected through online programs with the aim of providing entertainment to the homebound people, and opportunity to the COVID-19 affected artists from the remote areas. Independence Day programs are aimed to entertain and educate the youth about the cultural heroes and heritage of the country, and to realize in them their responsibilities to work for the country to be uplifted.

Videos:

1. Promotional Video

2. Hamara Pakistan Song for Independence Day

Reference:

  1. Wardak, T.U. (30 July 2020. Pakistan National Council of the Arts planned to celebrate “Independence Day” online: DG PNCA Dr. Fauzia Saeed. Daily Times. Retrieved from: https://dailytimes.com.pk/648014/pakistan-national-council-of-the-arts-planned-to-celebrate-independence-day-online-dg-pnca-dr-fauzia-saeed/
  2. Wikipedia (2018). Independence Day (Pakistan). Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Pakistan)