Celebrating freedom: POF commemorates Independence Day

Flag hoisting, speeches, sports activities held to mark the day.

Like elsewhere in the country, Independence Day was celebrated in Pakistan Ordinance Factories (POF) with enthusiasm, said a press release issue by the organisation on Wednesday.

The POF administration organised a series of events in which a large number of people from all walks of life participated. The celebrations commenced with prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran at Central Jamia Mosque. The mosque was beautifully decorated and illuminated at night. A renowned naat khawan, Syed Manzoorul Konain, presented naat while a renowned speaker, Oriya Maqbool Jan, addressed the audience in reference to the relation of 27th Ramazan with the creation of Pakistan.

A flag hoisting ceremony was held at POF Headquarter by Board Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Ahsan Mehmood. A large number of POF employees and army officers were present on the occasion.

In his brief address, the chairman reaffirmed his commitment to making the defence of Pakistan invincible and stressed upon the audience that they should keep abreast the youth about the sacrifices of their forefathers and persuade them to follow Sunnah of the Holy Prophet.

The POF chairman gave away cash prises to internationally-known players of POF and paid tribute to the services of Olympian Goalkeeper Ustad Zakir who brought good name to Pakistan at the international level. The chairman awarded him cash award of Rs0.1 million in recognition of his services.

In the evening, a cycle rally and walk was held, starting from POF Sports Complex and ending at Sher Shah Park.

At the end of the walk, participants offered prayer for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. A cricket match was also organised at the complex to provide entertainment to sports buffs.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2012.