Pakistan Day celebrations in full swing

Several events held; civilian awards handed to people who served the country

LAHORE: While the roads and streets of the city remained calm and cool due to a public holiday, different ceremonies were held throughout the city to commemorate the 78th Pakistan Day on Friday.

The day was observed to celebrate March 23, 1940, when the Pakistan resolution was passed on the second day of the three day (March 22-24) annual convention of the Muslim League.

As a part of the celebration, a guard mounting and wreath laying ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal (RA). Squads of Pakistan Rangers and Pakistan Air Force paid tribute to the departed souls and ran the national anthem. A fresh squad of guards of Pakistan Air Force replaced the guards of Pakistan Rangers which were deployed there.

Air Commodore Syed Sabahat Hassan, who is the Base Commander of Pakistan Air Force Base Lahore, was the chief guest on the occasion. He laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha at the grave of Allama Iqbal on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff Airmen and civilians of the Pakistan Air Force. General Commanding Officer Major General Muhammad Amir also joined the ceremony. He also paid a tribute and laid a floral wreath.



In the morning, a ceremony was also held at Mehfoozpura Shaheed Garrison. A salute of 21 cannons was offered as part of the celebration.

A flag hoisting ceremony was also held at Wagah Border and a parade was also conducted. A huge number of people participated in the ceremony.

On the occasion, a Presidential Awards Distribution ceremony was also held at the Governor House. Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana distributed awards and the Hilal-e-Imtiaz was presented to Justice (Retd) Khalil-ul-Rehman Ramday.

Meanwhile, the Sitara-e-Imtiaz award was distributed to Misbahul Haq, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Mohsin Javed and others.

Many other ceremonies to celebrate the day were also conducted at the Alhamra Arts Council, Nazriya-e-Pakistan Trust Building, PTI Model Town Office and Lahore Zoo. Fireworks were also set off at the Greater Iqbal Park.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2018.