70 or 71? Punjab Assembly celebrates ‘71st Independence Day’

Speaker calls on nation to unite and fight anti-state elements

LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan and other MPAs celebrated the Independence Day of the country as did the rest of the nation.

Confusion over the number of years of celebration was witnessed when the speaker hoisted the national flag inscribed with “71st Independence Day”.



According to sources, the speaker had expressed his reservation over the number of Independence Days. Sources told The Express Tribune that the speaker had suggested they avoid becoming part of any sort of controversy about the number of years of independence.  He added that the speaker was convinced by calculating the number of years and was told that the nation would be celebrating its 71st Independence Day and 70 years of freedom.

“If we talk about the birthday of Pakistan, then it will be the 70th. When we talk about Independence Day, it will be the 71st.”

The PRO said that they calculated from August 14, 1947 and found that the first Independence Day was in that year and the second in 1948.  “Therefore, it will become the 71st Independence Day.”



“There is a need to discuss this issue as the nation should be on the same page,” the PRO said.

The speaker hoisted the flag at the Punjab Assembly’s building at 9am. “Negativity is harmful for democracy and for the country’s stability,” he said on the occasion.

He added people would have to unite against those working against the country’s interest. “We should learn from our past and make a comprehensive plan for a bright future.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2017.