K-P clad in green for Aug 14

Arshad Nadeem celebrates with province; locals out in force

PESHAWAR:

If the preparations for Independence Day were anything to go by, the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had every intention of celebrating with national zeal and fervour. Indeed, folks from all walks of life, regardless of caste, creed or religion, came out in their droves to celebrate their beloved nation's Independence Day on August 14 (Wednesday).

The nation's pride speaks

Even Pakistan's Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem decided to celebrate his Independence Day with the province. Nadeem was greeted at the Governor House by none other than K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

Addressing the function held in his honor at the Governor House on Wednesday, Nadeem declared gold at the World Athletics Championship as his next target. He also wants to create a world record in the javelin throw.

When Arshad Nadeem reached the Governor House, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Faisal Karim Kundi gave him a warm welcome. On this occasion, the citizens showered him with flower petals and he was escorted by a procession to the hall of the Governor House.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa opposition members of assembly and students participated in the ceremony. Nadeem said he was grateful to the people of Pakistan. "With the prayers of my parents and the nation, I have won the gold medal in the Olympics and I am grateful for all your love. I am hugely encouraged."

He vowed to make the nation proud and create new records." My next target is the World Athletics Championships and I will break the world record there as well."

K-P erupts in celebration

Pakistan's 78th Independence Day was marked by an unprecedented wave of patriotic fervor as celebrations lit up the region with vibrant displays of national pride, flag-hoisting ceremonies and spectacular fireworks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. In Nowshera district, the festivities reached a crescendo with an exuberant display of national songs and pyrotechnics. Ibrahim Khan, a student from a private school, was visibly elated after attending the Jashin-e-Azadi on the eve of August 14.

"The national songs and anthems, besides the stunning fireworks, were truly impressive," he shared. Dressed in his national dress, young Ibrahim, a second-grade student, joined in the celebrations with great enthusiasm and national pride.

Peshawar-based printers did roaring business over the last two weeks when selling Jashan-e-Azadi materials like hotcakes. Meanwhile, an impressive flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Peshawar Governor House where KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi hoisted the flag and the national anthem played. Consul generals from the United States of America, Iran, and Afghanistan, MPA Ahmad Karim Kundi, along with the staff of the Governor's House and other distinguished guests, attended the flag hoisting ceremony.

Sikh celebrations

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Sikh community was equally enthusiastic when it came to marking the country's Independence Day as they left no stone unturned to show their love for the motherland. Many of the participants were clad in eye-catching dresses in the theme of the national flag. Speaking to the flag, they also did not miss out on the opportunity to hoist the Pakistan flag.

An independence celebration cake was cut, while slogans were in favour of the Pakistan Army. A large number of children, elders and youth from the Sikh community participated in the colorful ceremony. On the occasion of Independence Day, the leader of the Sikh community, Dr Sahib Singh, said his heart beats for Pakistan. "This beloved country and the Pakistan Army have an eternal bond with the minorities. Pakistan is our homeland, our life."

Baba Gorpal Singh, a social activist from the Sikh community, told The Express Tribune that every year, people community celebrate independence to bring the community together.