Independence fever grips Lahore

Schools, parks and institutions get into the patriotic spirit in city

LAHORE: Lahorites are expected to be out in full force across the provincial capital as the country celebrates its 72nd Independence Day. Several events have been organised at schools and other institutions, while parks and recreational facilities have finalised arrangements for the hordes that are expected to visit.

The Punjab Chief Secretary inaugurated an exhibition of rare documents and photos as part of Independence Day celebrations at the Civil Secretariat.



The four-day exhibition will continue from August 13 to 16 when rare and historic documents/photos, most of them related to Pakistan Movement, will be put on display.

The exhibition has been organised by the Archives and Libraries Wing of the Services and General Administration Department.

“The country was created after a long struggle and innumerable sacrifices. Every Pakistani should play their role in its progress and prosperity,” Akbar said. “Our independent status is a great blessing; its value can only be understood by someone who is deprived of this blessing.”

He maintained that every citizen can play their role in the progress and prosperity of the country by acting upon the sayings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.



Parks and zoos

In anticipation of large crowds, the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department has made foolproof security arrangements at recreational facilities.

The department has cancelled the leaves of all officials to ensure better security and satisfactory arrangements.

Authorities have ordered field staff to remain on duty on August 14 in order to prevent illegal animal hunting.

Special standard operating procedures have been outlined such as the frisking of visitors before they are allowed into any public wildlife park or zoo. Department employees have been told to remain on duty until the evening.

Taking the heat and humidity into account, authorities ordered field officers to make arrangements for cold and clean drinking water for visitors. Officials have also been directed to check quality and regulate the prices of tuck shops and canteens operating within these parks.

A warning was issued that a departmental inquiry will be conducted against those officials who deviate from standard operating procedures. They have been asked to contact their nearest police station or bomb disposal office in case of an emergency.

Schools all set

Educational institutes across the province are all set to celebrate Independence Day through different activities and events which have been scheduled for Tuesday (today).

Earlier, all government-run educational institutions were issued directives by the Punjab School Education Department (SED. They were told to organise various activities and events to celebrate 71 years of independence.



The letter was sent to Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Educational Development director general, Children Library Complex project director, Punjab Examination Commission chief executive officer, Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board chairman, Punjab Education Foundation managing director, Punjab Education Sector Reform Programme programme director, Punjab Daanish Schools and Centres of Excellence Authority chief executive officer, district education authorities and chief executive officers.



“As you are aware that the government, at a national and provincial level, is celebrating Independence Day on August 14 to promote patriotism and national unity by holding flag hoisting ceremonies and seminars etc across the country,” the letter read.

“It has been desired by the authority that SED, with the same zeal and zest, shall celebrate Independence Day on August 14, 2018, in all offices and public schools”, the letter added.

The activities planned by the department include a flag hoisting ceremony, Qirat, Naat Khawni, speeches, national songs and a display of flags. A flag hoisting ceremony is also being held at the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore.

Similar ceremonies are being held at different universities across the city and the province.

Lahore College for Women University, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore and Punjab University are among some of the public and private institutions which will be celebrating Independence Day by organising special events.

Further, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) will also be hosting special events for the day. The festivities will begin with special prayers at the Central Mosque for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

Subsequently, a walk will be held in front of the administration block after which a flag hoisting ceremony will be carried out at Iqbal Stadium.

UAF will be hosting weeklong celebrations for Independence Day. To this end, a special committee has also been set up. It will consist of faculty members and administrative staff.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2018.