KARACHI: With Pakistan flags fluttering from their `A` pillars, the magnificent machines moved like a caravan from Khayaban-i-Ittehad in Defence Housing Authority to Abdul Sattar E dhi Avenue at the Seaview Beach, Teen Talwar in Clifton to make way to the Quaid-i-Azam`s mausoleum early in the morning on Monday.

Leading this caravan was Razi Nayyer`s dark green 1972 Jaguar XJ6 Series 1. Nayyer, president of the Motor Club of Pakistan, organised the Freedom Drive for a second time this Independence Day. `That is also why the drive this time around is bigger and better than last year`s,` he said.

`The main objective of our Freedom Drive is to develop and strengthennationalism and patriotism in our nation, especially in our youth so that they may play a pivotal role in the progress of the country,` he said.

The vehicles taking part in the drive included classic as well as exquisite cars, SUVs, 4x4s and modified 4x4s, superbikes, stunt bikes, cafe racers, cruisers, sports cars, stock and modified supercars.

About his own pride and joy, the Jaguar, Nayyer said that it originally belonged to Pakistan`s late prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. `It passed through several hands until it came to me some four years ago. To raise money to purchase it I sacrificed my BMW 5 Series but it was worth it. The car was originally painted maroon but I had it repainted,`hesaid.

Also part of the drive was Dr Masroor Mirza`s 1968 Volkswagen Beetle with big 17 rim size tyres. `Wherever I take it, I get a thumbs up sign from people, he said smiling. `I have other cars too but a Beetle will always have a special place in my heart. Growing up I saw my father keep different Beetles from the 1963 model to 1974.

And behind him was anotherVolkswagen but a jeep, belonging to Nasir Lotia. `This one is a war vehicle used by the German Army,` he said.

The roaring sound of exhaust from heavy engines made one turn and look at the huge motorbikes. Among them was Ali Jan`s BMW HP4 and Asfar Ehtesham`s BMW S1000, its newer version. `We are passionate about powerful machines but our roads are a killjoy here,` said Ali Jan. `That is the reason why we only take out our bikes on DH A roads. But today is different as we are going to take them all to the Quaid`s Mazar and back.

Meanwhile, a woman in a black abaya came up to the bikers to ask permission for selfies of her kids with the beautiful machines to which the owners happily nodded before moving away. Omar Khan and Faria Omar with daughter Huda and cousins Qudsia and Habiba were on their way to the beach when they saw the vehicles ready to go.

`We came all the way from Gulshan to see how people in different parts of the city are celebrating our 70th Independence Day. This car drive seems like a very interesting event, saidtheyoungfather.