Preparations for Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day have reached their peak, with major buildings, roads and public spaces across the country illuminated in green and white and decorated with national flags.

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

Islamabad and Rawalpindi light up

The federal capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi have been 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 have been illuminated with special decorations.

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

Karachi joins celebrations

Karachi has also been 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 has been given special lighting, while historic buildings and major intersections have also been decorated.

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

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

Lahore prepares for festivities

In Lahore, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has 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 have been decorated with special lighting.

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

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

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

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

Tight security in Punjab

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

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

The Safe Cities Authority’s cameras will monitor Independence Day activities, while security has also been tightened at interprovincial checkpoints.

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

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

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

Authorities have 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 has also prepared a special traffic plan. Three SSPs, 16 DSPs and more than 500 traffic inspectors will be deployed in the field.

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

Peshawar lights up

Peshawar has also taken 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 have taken to the streets carrying national flags, while cars and motorcycles have also been decorated.

Children are participating in the celebrations wearing outfits featuring the national colours. Young people in Peshawar have also 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 has also been illuminated with green and white lights, with historic buildings and major roads decorated ahead of Independence Day.

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

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

A fireworks display is also scheduled in Quetta at midnight to mark Independence Day.