India and Pakistan became independent together and today many traditions are similar in both the countries. Just as the Prime Minister hoists the flag at the Red Fort in India on the occasion of Independence Day, the same happens in Pakistan too. In Pakistan too, the Prime Minister hoists the flag on their Independence Day i.e. 14th August. But, do you know that like there is Red Fort in India, where the Prime Minister hoists the flag, similarly, which is the place in Pakistan, where the Prime Minister of that country hoists the flag. So let us know about this special place, which is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings of Pakistan.
Where does Pakistani PM hoist the flag?
In Pakistan, 14th August is celebrated as Yaum-e-Azadi. Like India, on this day in Pakistan also the Prime Minister of that country hoists the flag and gives a speech. Just as the Indian PM hoists the flag at the Red Fort, the Pakistani PM hoists the tricolor at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. If you see in the pictures, it is very beautiful, where many tourists from Pakistan and abroad come.
What is Pakistan Monument?
It is the national monument of Pakistan and is built on the western end of Shakarparian Hill in Islamabad. It is dedicated to the martyrs of Pakistan and is currently a museum. It is considered to be the most special place to visit in Islamabad. In 2002, former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf had suggested building a national memorial in Islamabad. After this, this magnificent Pakistan Memorial was completed in 2006 under the supervision of Engineer Syed Mahmood Khalid. Its inauguration ceremony took place on 23 March 2007 and the Pakistan Memorial was opened to the public.
What is special in it?
This memorial is like a flower, in which leaves are visible. It tells the story of Pakistan’s civilization, culture, ideological foundation and Pakistan movement. It has four large petals representing the provinces of Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and smaller petals representing the territories. It is so high that it can be seen even from the nearby cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It is built on about 2.8 hectares (6.9 acres) of land and its domes are very special, which appear to be influenced by Mughal architecture.
What happens in Pakistan?
Let us know what happens in Pakistan on 14th August. There is no significant difference between the Independence Day celebrations in India and Pakistan. Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations start with namaz and special namaz is done for the progress of the country. This day is a holiday in the entire country. On this day, celebrations are organized all over the country. There the flag of Pakistan is hoisted on the Parliament House and President House. Here the flag is given a 31-gun salute, whereas in ceremonies held in state capitals, the Pakistani flag is given a 21-gun salute.