All set to celebrate Independence Day

The public departments working under the federal and Punjab governments have been tasked to make all necessary arrangements for commemoration of the Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervour.

In this regard, the Rawalpindi commissioner has issued a circular, directing all the government departments to ensure Independence Day celebrations in a dignified manner.

Sources told The Express Tribune that a special fund has been set up in each government department for decorating and lighting the government buildings, events featuring horse dances, patriotic songs, musical nights, circus shows, fireworks and bands playing the national anthem.

The flag-hoisting ceremony will take place on August 14 after the recitation of the Holy Quran. Students of educational institutions have been instructed to participate in these events by donning attire in the colours of the national flag.

Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Director General Saif Anwar Jappa has issued directives to make special arrangements in this regard.

On the other hand, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) will host a musical night at Liaquat Bagh on August 13, according to PHA DG Ahmad Hasan Ranjha. A circus show will be organised starting on August 13 and will continue for a week, in addition to the fireworks and decorations in all of the city's parks, he said.

Further, all WASA waterworks, tube wells, and buildings will be lit up and decorated. WASA Managing Director Muhammad Tanveer said celebrating Independence Day in a grand manner is a sign of a nation that is still alive. Pakistan is a great country and freedom is the greatest gift. We must share the pleasure of freedom with our young generation and teach them that our forefathers made enormous sacrifices to establish this country, he said.

Meanwhile, efforts are also underway on behalf of the Rawalpindi and the Chaklala Cantonment Board to hoist the national flag atop the offices and all significant buildings across the cantonment.

Cantonment Executive Officer Imran Gulzar said the Cantt would celebrate Independence Day with the same zeal as it celebrated it in the past. National flags will be hoisted on the cantonment board office building, PIA Building, AWT Plaza, State Life Building, Mall Plaza, Mall Business Centre and other buildings on Mall Road.”

In honour of Independence Day, Pakistan Railways has also planned to decorate the railway station building and the superintendent's office building with lights, flags, and other national symbols preparations for which will begin on August 11.

It has been agreed upon to adorn the trains and display the flag of the nation on those leaving and arriving in Rawalpindi from across the country in honour of Independence Day.

The business community will also plan comprehensive decorations for Independence Day in all the marketplaces.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2023.