Armed Forces of Pakistan alongside the entire nation celebrated the 63^rd Independence Day of Pakistan in simple way.

Prayers were offered for the progress, solidarity and prosperity of Pakistan. Special prayers were also offered for flood affectees in all mosques of Formations, Units and Static Installations.

Main feature of the day was the national flag hoisting ceremonies at the Joint Staff Headquarters, General Headquarters, Services Headquarters, all Corps Headquarters, Formations, Static Installations and all units of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Messages of the Services Chiefs were read out to all ranks.

At the Joint Staff Headquarters, Brigadier Khawar Saeed, hoisted the national flag and the National Anthem was played.

At the General Headquarters, Major General Noor Hussain hoisted the national flag and the National Anthem was played.

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Troops of Pakistan Army are enthusiastically working round the clock in the flood affected areas of Sindh, Punjab, KPK and Northern Areas to provide rescue and relief to marooned people. Special arrangements have been made to provide cooked food during Seher / Iftar in the relief camps. More than 1 million cooked packets of food have been distributed among the people in flood stricken places.

All available resources have been fully utilized to help the Countrymen in flood affected areas. Army Troops have been moved to Jacobabad for rescue and relief activities in the area.

Pakistan Armed Forces have rescued over 5 lacs people from flood affected areas so far. Army has distributed 1104 tons of rations from its own share among the stranded people in flooded areas. More than 1000 boats, 55 helicopters and an Animal Transport Battalion are being used to save precious lives and provide relief goods in flood affected areas.

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Army soldiers helping elderly men in flood affected areas in Southern Punjab. (14-8-2010) – Photo ISPR

Army troops busy in rescue operation at Jacobabad. (14-8-2010) – Photo ISPR

View of a relief camp established by Army near Muzaffargarh. (14-8-2010) – Photo ISPR

On the 63^rd Independence day Master Abdul Basit a 15 year old boy made a history to become soldier of Pakistan Army for a day. The young, patriotic lad, who is suffering from blood cancer had expressed his desire to Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani through an NGO "Make A Wish Foundation" that he wanted to be soldier of Pakistan Army, may be for a day. Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani took special interest and allowed the child to become a soldier for a day and spend time in a unit on the Independence Day of Pakistan.

Master Abdul Basit, though very weak and fragile, because of his ailment put on the uniform like a professional soldier and reported to unit of Punjab Regiment at Malir Cantt Karachi. The young soldier was warmly welcomed at the unit. Later, Master Abdul Basit spent a busy day with officers and men of his unit.

Master Abdul Basit after a day’s work with soldiers said that his life time dream to join Pakistan Army has come true and he cherished every minute spent with the soldiers.

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Master  Basit, 15 years old boy who is suffering from blood cancer, coming to join an army unit at Malir Cantt Karachi for a day. Master Basit　desired to become a soldier of Pakistan Army. He has been permitted by Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez kayani to become a soldier of Pakistan army for a day. (14-8-2010) – Photo ISPR

Master Basit, 15 years old boy, who is suffering from blood caner, became a soldier of Pakistan Army for one day. He is saluting　the national flag alongwith　other unit officers at Karachi. Master Basit desired to become　a soldier of Pakistan army may be for one day. To fulfill the dream of young Basit, COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani permitted Master Basit　to become a soldier of Pakistan Army for one day. (14-8-2010) – Photo ISPR