Historic City Parade Returns to Islamabad After Decades: Sohail Ashraf
Chief Commissioner and CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf says families and young people are invited to attend the City Parade at 5pm on August 14, with cultural performers, singers and participating forces set to feature in the celebrations.
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad is preparing for a major City Parade, cultural performances and fireworks as the federal capital marks Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, with authorities expecting between 10,000 and 15,000 people to attend the August 14 celebrations.
City Parade Scheduled for 5pm
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf urged residents, particularly families and young people, to participate in the City Parade scheduled for 5pm on Friday, August 14.
Ashraf said seating arrangements had been made for around 6,000 people, while the administration expected overall attendance to reach between 10,000 and 15,000.
He said the parade venue carries historical significance, recalling that March 23 parades were held at the site during his childhood.
Folk Artists and March-Past to Feature
According to the Chief Commissioner, the programme will feature folk artists, singers and contingents from different forces participating in a march-past, adding a cultural and ceremonial dimension to the Independence Day festivities.
Access arrangements are also being made for the general public, with Ashraf saying an entry route would be opened from the Express Chowk side.
Medical assistance will remain available to respond to any emergency during the event, he added.
Fireworks Planned at D-Chowk
Ashraf said Islamabad residents had shown considerable enthusiasm for public festivities and referred to other activities organised as part of the celebrations, including a football event and fireworks.
He also announced a major fireworks display at D-Chowk, while another large fireworks show was planned for Thursday night in connection with the Independence Day celebrations and the official commemoration of Marka-e-Haq.
The Chief Commissioner particularly encouraged Islamabad’s youth to turn out in large numbers and celebrate Independence Day.
The latest programme forms part of a broader series of public activities being organised across the federal capital around Independence Day. Ashraf has served as both CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad since April 2026, according to official CDA information.
Authorities are expected to manage public access, security, emergency response and traffic around the main celebration venues as large crowds gather in the capital.
