Gripped with patriotic fervour and official obligations, various organisations celebrated the Independence Day in the twin cities by hoisting flags and holding various events.In Rawalpindi, the main Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the commissioner’s office.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Sardar Nasim, Raja Hanif and Malik Iftikhar, among relevant government officials and citizens attended the ceremony. Pakistan movement worker Shamsul Haq Awan was the chief guest on the occasion.
Commissioner Zahid Saeed, along with Awan, Abbasi, Nasim, Malik Iftikhar and Hanif hoisted the national flag and participants sang the national anthem together. National songs were also performed by students of Rawalpindi’s schools.
Awan, who was a school student at the time of partition, narrated his memories during the migration towards the Pakistan from Hoshyarpur in India. He said all nations progressed and attained prosperity after passing through difficulties and hardships and Pakistan would also become a developed country soon.
Awan added that while celebrating Independence Day, everyone should pledge and affirm for laying all kind of sacrifices for the protection of our independence, prosperity and development of our country.
In the end, the special guests also cut an Independence Day cake.
At a separate event at the Post Graduate College, Asghar Mall, MPA Raja Hanif said the young generation should be made aware about the ideology of Pakistan and efforts and sacrifices of our elders. Other party leaders and college staff were present on the occasion.
Hanif said the country, while celebrating its 68th Independence Day, is fighting against terrorism and its armed forces are engaged in rooting out the menace through a military operation.
Director colleges Prof Humayun Iqbal, while addressing the event, informed that various functions in connection with Independence Day celebrations are being held in educational institutions to make the young generation aware of the Pakistan Movement.
He said the value and significance of independence can only be gauged from nations who are still enslaved and without any homeland. Hanif, PML-N leader Sardar Nasim, Iqbal, and college principal Prof Ghazanfar Mehmud Bhatti also hoisted the Pakistani flag at the occasion.
H-8 college celebrates
A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at the Islamabad Model Postgraduate College, H-8 on Thursday morning. Principal Prof Khurshid Ahmed Shakoori, along with teaching and non-teaching staff, inaugurated the ceremony.
After flag-hoisting ceremony, a function was also held at the college auditorium. In his address, the principal presented a background of the foundation of Pakistan and stressed the importance of celebrating the Independence Day to highlight the history of Pakistan for the knowledge of the youngsters.
Festive atmosphere at BBIA
The management of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA) decorated the airport with flags, buntings and balloons while the terminal building was illuminated as well. Documentary films were also being played on TV screens that promote Pakistani culture and tourism.
The national flag was hoisted in front of the state lounge by CAA Airport Manager Mohammed Ayaz Jadoon. An ‘independence walk’ was also held by Gerry’s Dnata and employees of CAA and other airlines and ground handling agencies participated in it.
NHMP officers salute the flag
A flag-raising ceremony was also held at the headquarters of the National Highways and Motorways Police (NHMP) on Independence Day. NHMP Inspector General Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema hoisted the national flag to start the ceremony which was attended by senior police officers. “Independence of our beloved country is the result of endless sacrifices. Don’t hesitate to make any sacrifice for the sake of endurance and excellence of the country,” said Cheema in his address. The IG said that the motorways police would organise rallies to commemorate the day across the country.
PAF officers pray for Pakistan’s prosperity
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) joined hands with the nation to celebrate Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. Air Vice Marshal Junaid Ahmed Siddiqui hoisted the national flag and read out Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt’s message. “While drawing perpetual guidance from Quaid’s vision, PAF has made earnest efforts to modernise its fleet to meet the ever-demanding challenges of the 21st Century,” he said in his statement. Similar ceremonies were also held at all PAF air commands, air bases and other establishments.
Colourful show at AIOU
A spectacular show was held at the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) on Thursday to mark the Independence Day which was attended by the university’s employees and their children.
They presented national songs, delivered speeches and performed tableaus at the event.
The day’s activities began by hoisting of the national flag at AIOU’s main campus by vice-chancellor Prof Ali Asghar Chishti and other senior staff members. Similar functions were held at the university’s other campuses around the country.
The show at the main campus was arranged by the university’s Pakistan Studies department, headed by Dr Amanaullah Memon and Dr Badshah Sardar.
Moreover, flag-hoisting ceremonies were also held at the Pakistan Broadcasting House, Islamabad as well as the Higher Education Commission.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2014.
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