The 78th Independence Day was observed across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including the merged districts, with the same fervor and enthusiasm that swept the rest of the country on Thursday. The day in Peshawar began with a 21-gun salute, followed by special prayers at Fajr for the country's progress, prosperity, and unity.
Throughout the provincial capital, government and private institutions marked the occasion with a series of special events. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held at the Peshawar High Court, University of Peshawar, Civil Secretariat, and several other government offices. Non-governmental organizations also joined the celebrations, arranging rallies and patriotic programs that infused the city with festive energy.
The streets and public places were awash with national colors. Children dressed in green-and-white outfits, many fashioned from the Pakistani flag, added a lively charm to the day. BRT stations, public offices, and private buildings were adorned with flags and bunting, giving Peshawar a vibrant look reminiscent of Eid festivities. Police were deployed at key points to maintain security throughout the celebrations.
A dignified flag-hoisting ceremony at Governor House Peshawar was attended by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, US Consul General Shante Moore, Iranian Consul General Ali Banafshekhah, and Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah.
The event began with the national anthem, followed by a guard of honour from the police. Special prayers were offered for Pakistan's progress before the governor, accompanied by the diplomats, cut a ceremonial cake. Governor Kundi extended heartfelt greetings to the nation and expressed gratitude to the foreign envoys for their participation and goodwill messages.
In Dera Ismail Khan, a solemn yet spirited Independence Day ceremony was held at the Police Lines, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur as chief guest. A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour to the sound of patriotic tunes from the police band. The chief minister hoisted the national flag, cut a celebratory cake, and planted a sapling to mark the occasion.
The ceremony drew senior officials including Commissioner Zafarul Islam, RPO Syed Ashfaq Anwar, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan, DPO Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada, representatives of government departments, community leaders, and media personnel.
Addressing the gathering, CM Gandapur congratulated the nation, noting that this year's Independence Day coincided with what he termed a "national victory" in which the armed forces and people together "humbled India's arrogance." He paid tribute to martyrs and veterans from the creation of Pakistan to the present, stressing that freedom is earned through sacrifice.
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