An impressive change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal as the nation celebrated the 148th birth anniversary of Mufakkir-e-Pakistan, the visionary behind the ideology of an independent Muslim state in the subcontinent.

A smartly attired contingent of Pakistan Navy took over guard duties from Pakistan Rangers (Punjab), said a news release issued by the Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy) on Sunday.

Commander Central Punjab of Pakistan Navy, Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The Commander Central Punjab laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum on behalf of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf as well as officers, sailors and civilians of the Pakistan Navy and offered Fateha.

The chief guest also recorded his remarks in the visitor’s book, paying rich tribute to the great poet and philosopher.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, members of the media, and a large number of the general public.