Pakistan’s Independence Day brought out the patriotic side of the country’s biggest showbiz names, with celebrities turning social media into a sea of green and white on August 14.

Pakistani stars marked the occasion in their own personal ways. Instagram was filled with festive outfits, national flags, nostalgic posts and heartfelt prayers for the country.

Among those celebrating was Aiman Khan, who joined the festivities with a rendition of the much-loved national song “Dil Dil Pakistan.” Her musical tribute quickly added to the celebratory mood surrounding the day.

Zahalay Sarhadi also chose music to express her love for the country. The actress sang “Sohni Dharti,” one of Pakistan’s most recognizable patriotic anthems, giving her Independence Day tribute a distinctly nostalgic feel.

For Sarwat Gilani, the celebrations came with a different kind of significance. The actress and host shared moments from an international gathering she attended and hosted, where she celebrated not only Pakistan’s Independence Day but also the 10th anniversary of New World Concepts’ Breakfast Café.

The initiative brought together accomplished women from different professional fields, creating a gathering centered around conversation, achievement and connection. Sarwat also acknowledged several notable guests who were part of the event, including Barrister Shahida Jamil, Pakistan Stock Exchange CEO Farrukh Sabzwari, the Consul General of Germany in Karachi and the Consul of Italy in Karachi.

Describing the occasion as a celebration of “patriotism, purpose and sisterhood,” Sarwat ended her message with a spirited “Pakistan Zindabad!”

Zubab Rana kept her message simple but meaningful as she extended Independence Day wishes to Pakistanis at home and abroad. She encouraged people to carry the spirit of freedom with them, writing, “Wishing a very happy Independence Day to every Pakistani, everywhere. Let’s keep the spirit of freedom alive in our hearts and minds.”

Hina Altaf used her Independence Day message to look beyond the celebrations and highlight the issue of freedom for Kashmiris. While wishing everyone a happy Independence Day, she also expressed solidarity with fellow Kashmiris, stressing that freedom holds a deeper meaning when it is available to everyone.

Amar Khan, meanwhile, took her followers down memory lane with a nostalgic recollection of childhood Independence Day celebrations.

The actress remembered decorating rooftops with small flags as well as large Pakistani flags before heading outside at night to join the lively celebrations. Those simple childhood traditions, she said, remain among her fondest memories associated with August 14.

Her post captured a familiar side of Independence Day that many Pakistanis can relate to – decorated rooftops, flags everywhere and children eagerly waiting for the nighttime celebrations.

Across social media, the celebrations continued throughout the day as celebrities shared their green-and-white looks, patriotic songs, personal memories and messages for the country.

Read more: Pakistani celebrities demand justice for toddler raped, murdered in Karachi

Twenty-six years have passed since the death of legendary pop singer Nazia Hassan.

Her fans in Pakistan and abroad are observing her 26th death anniversary on Thursday (today).

Iconic pop singer Nazia Hassan’s journey in the music industry began at a young age with the song “Aap Jaisa Koi…” which propelled her to international fame.

Born on April 3, 1965, she rose to prominence through the widely popular Pakistan Television programme Sung Sung, becoming a household name during the late 80s.

Her untimely death on Aug 13, a day before Independence Day, left the nation in grief.

Nazia Hassan received numerous national and international accolades including Pakistan’s highest civil award – Pride of Performance.

In 1980, Nazia made her singing debut with “Aap Jaisa Koi…” Her first album, Disco Deewane, released in 1981, became the best-selling Asian pop album of its time, reaching audiences in 14 countries.

The iconic “Disco Deewane” became an anthem for the youth and was so groundbreaking that it even inspired a segment in Karan Johar’s 2012 film, Student of The Year.

At the age of 15, Nazia Hassan became the first Pakistani singer to win an Indian Filmfare award in 1980.

Nazia Hassan succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 35 in London on Aug 13, 2000, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Those who remember the Pakistan of late 80s can tell what the likes of Nazia Hassan meant to the country. She was the face of PTV – the only source of entertainment at that time – for music buffs and households.

Many recollect that her death on Aug 13 (a day before Independence Day) left the country in a palpable sense of grief. The news cast a pall of gloom on the I-D celebrations, for it more than a death of an icon. It was the death of a dream.

Read more:Pakistani Fans Question Song Credits After Nick Jonas Dances to Nazia Hassan Classic

Veteran actor Syed Mohammed Ahmed clarified that his recent minor facelift procedure was a personal choice rooted in self-love and was not a major cosmetic surgery.

The actor shared a video on Instagram showing him undergoing a non-surgical facelift, where he was also joined by influencer Zoya Shoukat.

Responding to fans’ comments, Ahmed stressed that the procedure was minor and intended to enhance his existing features rather than dramatically change his appearance.

In response to a fan who questioned why he would undergo the procedure, Ahmed said, “I’m not changing myself, dear. It is a very small kind of procedure that helps you look a better version of yourself. It is not the Bollywood kind of plastic surgery. Do not worry.”

Ahmed also kept the mood light while discussing the process, joking about the instructions he was given during the procedure. “First they told me to give zero expression, then full expression, then to act frustrated, to not close my eyes,” he said.

He explained that he had initially visited the clinic to seek advice about what could be done, saying there were several surgical and lengthy options available. However, he ultimately opted for a non-surgical procedure.

“I came here to get opinions on what to do with my face. There were many surgical lengthy procedures but the one I did was non-surgical. I already feel like I have gotten ten to fifteen years younger,” he said.

Shoukat also shared videos on her own Instagram account. In one of the clips, she spoke about the support Ahmed continues to receive from younger fans following a controversy in which he alleged that certain actors had mistreated him on a drama set.

“I am so honoured to meet you and to give you people’s messages. I am so glad that you let out your voice and we are all with you. Just know all the kids are with you,” she said.

Ahmed later thanked his fans for their support and appreciation. “I was happy that people did not think that I was wrong,” he said.

On the professional front, Ahmed remains active in the entertainment industry and recently starred in the drama Doctor Bahu.

Read more: Mohammad Ahmed Reveals Nauman Ijaz’s Acting Technique