The three-day “Azadi shopping festival”, which was arranged at the Fatima Jinnah Park to commemorate the 70th Independence Day concluded, on Sunday. PHOTO: PPI
The main flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, which was attended by President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as well as other prominent ministers and parliamentarians.
People thronged public places such as parks and markets on the weekend, which led to traffic snarl-ups at various points.
CDA and IMC
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in collaboration with Lok Virsa organised various events for the public. The CDA operated a tourist train in the Rose and Jasmine Garden to facilitate the visitors.
The Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) organised an event which included fireworks, at the Parade Ground.
Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz said he would make all out efforts to make the capital city into an exemplary model throughout Pakistan.
Educational institutes
Quaid-i-Azam University, International Islamic University and the Allama Iqbal Open University organised flag-hoisting ceremonies to commemorate the day.
Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) celebrated Independence Day with zeal and enthusiasm through holding a colourful show, participated by the university’s employees.
University’s security workers presented a guard of honour to the AIOU Vice-Chancellor, Shahid Siddiqui. It was followed by hoisting of the national flag as well as singing of the national anthem.
Meanwhile, a seminar was held at the Waqarun Nisa College for Women in Rawalpindi. Addressing the seminar, Rawalpindi Director Colleges Malik Muhammad Asghar emphasised the importance of education in the development of the country and called upon the youth to focus on education.
Similarly, Fatima Jinnah Women University also organised a number of events under the theme of “Pakistan-Aik Khawab Aik Haqeeqat” to celebrate the day.
The flag-hoisting ceremony was performed Nahid Zia Khan, Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the university premises.
MNA Asfandyar Bhandara while speaking at the event said the Independence Day spirit called for the peaceful co-existence of all communities in the country.
Meanwhile, Pir Meher Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) arranged a flag-hoisting ceremony to mark the Independence Day.
PMAS-AAUR Vice-Chancellor Rai Niaz Ahmad hoisted the national flag on the main campus.
The campus was decorated with the national flag, buntings, banners, and posters.
Central Jail
An Independence Day ceremony was also held for the inmates in Rawalpindi Central Jail.
The administration organised various competitions and distributed prizes and sweets among the prisoners.
Lok Virsa festivities
Lok Virsa celebrated the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan with fervour and festivity, at Shakarparian.
Special programmes include an exhibition of artisans-at-work featuring embroidery, weaving, basketry, doll making, jewellery and truck art was held at the heritage museum.
Lok Virsa also launched its folk dance group.
Azadi festival concludes
The three-day “Azadi shopping festival”, which was arranged at the Fatima Jinnah Park to commemorate the 70th Independence Day concluded, on Sunday.
Pindi Arts Council
A family stage play “Salam Pakistan” was arranged by Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) based on the idea of national solidarity.
The play was written and directed by Ismael Bashir.
PTDC
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) also arranged a number of activities.
PTDC General Manager Ali Akbar Malik hoisted the national flag at a ceremony at Flashman’s Hotel.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Women Association
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Women Association (MFAWA) arranged a photo exhibition to mark the 70th Independence Day.
At least 32 different works of 11 artists from across the country were put on display.
Motorway police make special arrangements
The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) distributed gift hampers among children and road users.
NHMP North Zone DIG Ahmed Mukhtar Khan said that NHMP officials had always tried their level best to uphold the set values and safety of road users.
Additional input from
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2016.
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