Undeterred by August 12 bombing, Quetta’s Bugti stadium hosts ‘Azadi Parade’

Governor, chief minister and military officials participate in flag hoisting ceremony

QUETTA: The August 12 deadly bombing failed to deter the people of Balochistan to celebrate the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan with national zeal and fervour on Monday.

Balochistan has been in the throes of bloody violence perpetrated by ethnic, religious, militant and separatist groups. Two days before Independence Day, an army truck was bombed in Quetta’s Pishin Stop neighbourhood, leaving 15 people dead.

While the main ceremony was held at the ‘Sabzazar’ of Balochistan Assembly, Quetta’s Bugti Stadium hosted ‘Azadi Parade’ as the country completed 70 years of its independence.

Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Amir Riaz hoisted the national flag while troops paid respect to the country’s flag.



One-minute silence was also observed for the Pishin stop victims and it was vowed that all ploys against Pakistan will be defeated.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri said prosperity in the country and Balochistan will come after the completion of CPEC and other developmental projects.

“Government, people and military leadership together will thwart the enemy which have been aimed to destabilise peace of the country,” he said, adding that they wanted political conflicts to be resolved politically stressing that “democracy is the possible solution to issues the country confronted”.

15 martyred, 25 injured in bomb attack on army truck in Quetta

The chief minister added that once again before the Independence Day the enemy tried to mar the celebrations.

“Terrorists through a conspiracy want to destablise the country and Balochistan but we will not let their conspiracies succeed at any cost,” he underscored.

He stressed that even after 70 years of independence, the country was not able to utilize its resources to the fullest.

“Balochistan's development is the country's development. Balochistan will play an important role in the country's development,” Zehri said.

The chief minister said peace and development was essential and no hindrance would be tolerated.

According to a statement, provincial ministers, government officials and a huge crowd of locals gathered at the stadium to attend the event, which started off with recitation from the Holy Quran.

Singers presented their compositions while Chinese artistes also participated in the event.



”The situation in Balochistan is getting better… Independence Day is being celebrated with vigour while the slogan ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ can be heard in every nook and corner of Balochistan,” Lt Gen Riaz told the participants.

Facing unusual war

An unusual war has been imposed upon Pakistan and our society at large has become intolerant and if we intend to pass through trials and tribulations unscathed, we need to reform our attitudes, Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) Mohammad Noor Miskanzai said on Monday.

He was speaking with media persons after the flag-hoisting ceremony at the BHC premises.

Stressing the need for national coherence and unity, Chief Justice Mohammad Noor Miskanzai said that the country lacks supremacy of law in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.

Calling for taking stock of the current situation he said: “Are we able to determine the role of national character in achieving goals? Is our society free of corruption, prejudice, hatred, terrorism? Does religious freedom and tolerance exist in our society (at all)? Have we achieved the purpose of achieving this country?”

He said everyone should ponder upon these questions.

“We, as a nation, must reform ourselves to achieve our purpose by submitting to the law.”

According to him, the unusual war Pakistan faced had been imposed upon us by our enemies.

“Our neighbour stirred up animosity and we should all unite to thwart this conspiracy against the country’s integrity.

“Unified efforts can help us find solution to all our problems. Unfortunately, we have still not been able to determine the right direction for the country and this is why we, as a nation, are suffering difficulties.”

Describing the system weak, he said that this was because institutions were weak.