Independence Day marked at universities

Flag-hoisting ceremonies, seminars and walks arranged

LAHORE: Educational institutions across the city celebrated the Independence Day on Sunday by arranging flag-hoisting ceremonies, walks, prayer sessions and seminars. Acting Vice Chancellor Shahid Kamal hoisted the national flag at a ceremony at the Punjab University (PU).

Kamal said August 14 was a great day in the history of Pakistan. “It is our duty to work together for country’s prosperity and to protect its heritage. Pakistan is the result of efforts of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Millions of people sacrificed their lives and property for the country.” Kamal said promotion of education was necessary to rid the country of terrorism and bring about peace. The participants of the ceremony also offered prayers for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.

University of Engineering and Technology

“Pakistan is our motherland. We should own it. We should perform our duties with a great sense of responsibility,” University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Vice Chancellor Fazal Ahmed Khalid said at a function on the campus.

“It is a matter of pride for us that we are the only atomic power in the Muslim world. We are blessed with a rich and diverse culture, good climate and lots of talent. These resources should be utilised for the country’s progress,” the vice chancellor said. He said that freedom was a great blessing. The life of slavery in parts of the world has showed that freedom is a great gift, he said. He urged the youth to play their role for Pakistan’s development. Patriotic songs were played and sweets distributed among the participants. The campus had been decorated with flags, lights and flowers.

Forman Christian College University

At the Forman Christian College University (FCCU), the Independence Day ceremony started with recitations from the Holy Quran and the Holy Bible.

Rector James Tebbe raised the national flag. Faculty and staff members, including Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Joseph Jones, Registrar Hamid Saeed, Intermediate Vice Rector CJ Dubash and Chief Security Officer Col Khaqan Mahmood were also present. FCCU Security Guards Corps saluted the flag and the participants sang the national anthem.

Prof Ateequr Rehman shed light on the Pakistan Movement and the role of minority communities in the struggle for independence. Tebbe urged the nation to stand united. Chief Advancement Officer Yvette Jones distributed sweets among the participants.

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Vice Chancellor Talat Naseer Pasha hoisted the national flag at the City Campus of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS). He asked students and the faculty to work hard for the country’s progress. He urged them to follow the sayings of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and be mindful of the vision of Allam Iqbal.

“We must remember the services of our elders who had sacrificed their lives for the motherland.” He also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian-hled Kashmir. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were also held at Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Jhang Campus and the Para-Veterinary Institute, Layyah.

University of Education

A large number of students and their teachers attended Independence Day celebrations at the University of Education.

Vice Chancellor Rauf-i-Azam hoisted the flag. “Pakistan is a blessing of God. We must follow Jinnah’s principles of unity, faith and discipline to achieve success,” he said. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2016.