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KARACHI: The 48th Independence Day will be celebrated with enthusiasm and national spirit in the megapolis like other parts of the country on Monday.

The day will dawn with 21-gun salute. Special prayers will be offered in the mosques after Fajr for the stability, progress and integrity of the country and particularly for the success of Kashmiris who are fighting for their right of self-determination.

At 7:58 a.m., blowing of sirens will pause all the moving traffic (including road, rail and sea) for one minute, followed by the hoisting of national flag at 8.00 a.m.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Abdullah Shah along with the Governor Sindh Kamaluddin Azfar, will perform flag hoisting ceremony, amidst the playing of National Anthem at the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan at 8.00 a.m.

On this occasion, smartly turned out guards will also be mounted at the Quaid's mazar in a colourful ceremony.

Sindh Governor and Chief Minister and representatives of armed forces will also lay floral wreaths at the Mazar of Quaid after the ceremony.

President PPP Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah along with other party leaders will also lay a floral wreath at the mazar.

Hundreds of schools children will present milli songs, bands and tableau at the mausoleum from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Besides, flag hoisting ceremonies will be held at various places by hundreds of organisations and mohallah committees all over the city.

Administrator Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will perform flag hoisting ceremony at KMC head office on behalf of Karachi citizens and hold reception.

Sindh Governor will hold reception in the afternoon at Governor House.

Various organisations will organise Qirat, Naat Khawani, Milli Naghma and speech competitions and other meetings and rallies to celebrate the occasion and highlight the importance of the Day.

Pakistan Academy of Letters will organise a seminar on "Freedom of Literature and National Identity" at Pakistan National Centre on Monday in the morning.

Pakistan National Centre in collaboration with Bhopal Welfare Society of Pakistan will hold a "mushaira" at its premises at 6.00 p.m.

Sindh government will arrange a firework display and illumination of government buildings in the city, while documentary films, highlighting independence struggle by the Muslims of sub-continent will be exhibited in cinema houses.

The sale of national flags, colourful bunting, miniature flags, badges of Quaid-e-Azam's portrait and that of other leaders of Pakistan Movement and stickers was in full swing in city's main bazars.

Karachiites have decorated their houses, shops and offices with large and small size national flags and buntings to celebrate the Independence Day in the city.