Pakistan marks Independence Day amid worst floods

Pakistani navy soldiers march at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam to mark the 64th Independence Day in Karachi Aug. 14, 2010. The government and the people in Pakistan have decided to keep the 64th Independence Day celebrations low profile and simple on Saturday to keep the focus on rescue and relief activities amid the country's worst-ever floods. (Xinhua/Toheed)The government and the people in Pakistan observed the Independence Day with simplicity keeping all celebrations low profile on Saturday to show solidarity with flood- affected people after the country's worst-ever floods killed over 1,300 people and left millions homeless.

Addressing the nation on its 64th Independence Day, Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani urged people to stand up to face flood challenges expressing deep grief over the loss of thousands of precious lives and 20 million stranded people by country's historical devastating flood.

According to the prime minister, at least 1,384 persons have been confirmed dead and 1,630 injured so far in Pakistan's worst- ever floods in 80 years.

The prime minister said the government canceled all celebrations to express solidarity with the flood-victims. All Ramazan Iftar dinners and Eid celebrations have also been canceled so that the money could go to the flood-victims, he said.

Pakistan's Independence Day is observed every year on Aug. 14, the day on which Pakistan got independence from the British rule in 1947.

Pakistani people and government usually celebrate the day with full zeal and zest. Streets, bazaars, government offices, educational institutes, main buildings, houses, public parks, and all other important places are decorated with flowers, lightings, balloons, banners and national flags. But this year all functions and prepared programs have been canceled by the government and civil society.


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