KARACHI, Pakistan
Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar took oath on Monday as flag-hoisting ceremonies, military parades, rallies, and fireworks marked the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan amid calls for "unity."
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the capital Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in the four provincial capitals.
Change of guards ceremonies, a traditional highlight of the day, were held at the mausoleums of the founder of the country, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, in the port city of Karachi, and the national poet, Allama Mohammad Iqbal, in northeastern Lahore city.
The main flag-hoisting ceremony was held in Islamabad, which was presided over by President Arif Alvi, while the Senate chairman and National Assembly speaker were also in attendance, state-run Pakistan Television reported.
It also marked the day when Pakistan's eighth caretaker prime minister was administered the oath of office by Alvi. Haq is picked as interim prime minister over the weekend to oversee general elections to be held within the next three months.
President Dr. Arif Alvi administering the oath of office to Mr. Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar as the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, at an oath-taking ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/zhA8YmU0R0
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 14, 2023
Addressing the independence day ceremony, President Alvi called upon the politicians and other stakeholders – a term to designate the country's powerful army and judiciary – to be "united" and "embrace the path of forgiveness."
His message coincides with a deepening political crisis that has taken a further toll on the country's already struggling economy.
Alvi belongs to the jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.
Using the occasion to highlight the lingering Kashmir dispute, Alvi urged the international community to pay attention to the resolution of the issue in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
He expressed his gratitude to friendly countries, including Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China, and Iran for supporting Islamabad during difficult economic times.
Alvi also lamented the Islamophobic incidents in Western countries, referring to the multiple recent incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Denmark.
Outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, called for summoning "the spirit that marked the Independence movement and employ the lesson of unity and self-belief to chart the way forward."
A military parade was held on Sunday night at Pakistan Army's premier Kakul Academy to celebrate Independence Day.
Acknowledging the myriad of challenges faced by the nation, from geopolitical wrangling to internal threats, Munir said his country knows "how to defend its freedom."
