People across the country celebrated Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, with major buildings, roads and public spaces illuminated in green and white and decorated with national flags.

Celebrations formally began at midnight with fireworks and various programmes in cities across the country.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi light up

The federal capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi were extensively decorated with green and white lights, national flags and LED screens.

Parliament House, the President House, Prime Minister’s Secretariat and other key government buildings were illuminated with special decorations.

Constitution Avenue, Parliament House and other prominent locations presented a striking view at night, with illuminated LED screens, flags and decorative lights attracting residents.

Karachi joins celebrations

Karachi was decorated for Independence Day, with major roads, buildings and offices illuminated in green and white and adorned with national flags.

The mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was given special lighting, while historic buildings and major intersections have also been decorated.

Sharea Faisal and MA Jinnah Road were among the major thoroughfares lit up with national flags and decorative lights.

The festive atmosphere also spread among residents, with children and adults buying flags, badges and caps from stalls across the city. National songs were also being played at various locations.

Lahore prepares for festivities

In Lahore, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) decorated major roads, government offices and intersections with green and white lights and national flags.

The Thokar entry point, railway station parking area, LDA headquarters in Johar Town, Avenue One, Zahoor Elahi Chowk, Adda Plot and LDA City were decorated with special lighting.

The Punjab government also arranged special events for Independence Day. Liberty Chowk was decorated with lights and will host fireworks and a musical concert.

Fireworks were also displayed at Greater Iqbal Park, Dolmen Mall Defence, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Adda Plot and Liberty Market, while musical shows were held at Liberty Market and Defence Phase 6.

The Punjab Assembly building was also illuminated in green, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Authorities carried out special beautification work across Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. Roads, green belts, parks, public spaces and government buildings were decorated in the national green and white theme.

Tight security in Punjab

Authorities had finalised extensive security arrangements for Independence Day events across Punjab.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim said more than 300 events were provided security, with over 28,000 police officers and personnel deployed for security and traffic duties.

The Safe Cities Authority’s cameras monitored Independence Day activities, while security was also tightened at interprovincial checkpoints.

The police deployed 306 Elite teams, 177 Quick Response Force teams and 911 motorcycle patrol teams. A total of 829 police vehicles were also conduct patrols.

Security checks were conducted using 128 walkthrough gates and 1,122 metal detectors.

In Lahore alone, more than 8,000 police personnel performing security and traffic duties, with the police, Counter Terrorism Department, Special Branch and intelligence agencies remaining on alert.

Authorities had warned against one-wheeling, aerial firing, disorderly conduct, road blockades and harassment of women, and urged citizens to celebrate responsibly and within the law.

Lahore City Traffic Police also prepared a special traffic plan. Three SSPs, 16 DSPs and more than 500 traffic inspectors were deployed in the field.

Road cuts on Mall Road and Main Boulevard Gulberg have been closed at night to maintain traffic flow, while checkpoints have established at 62 locations to prevent disorder and violations.

Peshawar lights up

Peshawar also took on a festive look, with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Peshawar High Court, Bala Hisar Fort and Islamia College illuminated for Independence Day.

Large numbers of residents took to the streets carrying national flags, while cars and motorcycles were also been decorated.

Children were participating in the celebrations wearing outfits featuring the national colours. Young people in Peshawar werealso prepared a national flag several hundred feet long.

The Sports Department organised a musical night at the Peshawar Sports Complex, which drew a large crowd.

Quetta decorated in national colours

Quetta was also illuminated with green and white lights, with historic buildings and major roads decorated ahead of Independence Day.

The historic Metropolitan Corporation building was brightly illuminated, while the Balochistan Assembly and Balochistan High Court buildings were also been decorated.

Residents gathered at various locations to view the illuminated buildings and decorations, while streets, markets and public spaces across the city displayed national flags and colourful lights.

A fireworks also displayed in Quetta at midnight to mark Independence Day.