(centre) A large Pakistani flag hung near Nishat Chowk in Mingora on August 14. (bottom left)A father and his boys dressed in uniform ride a motorcycle on Arbab road. (above) The memorial in Shahi Bagh where Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed the people of Peshawar on October 19, 1936. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ABBOTTABAD/ GILGIT/ SWAT/ PESHAWAR:
Students at the University of Peshawar (UoP) celebrated the 66th Independence Day with a ceremony marked to acknowledge the efforts of the country’s founders and a pledge to help Pakistan out of its present crises.
“While some of our elders have made mistakes that have added to the problems faced by Pakistan today, we should not overlook the sacrifices of our forefathers to gain independence,” one of the speakers said.
The celebrations began with a recitation of the Holy Quran in the main administration block after which Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Rasul Jan hoisted the national flag in front of the Convocation Hall, where the main event was held.
(centre) A large Pakistani flag hung near Nishat Chowk in Mingora on August 14. (bottom left)A father and his boys dressed in uniform ride a motorcycle on Arbab road. (above) The memorial in Shahi Bagh where Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed the people of Peshawar on October 19, 1936. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Students from constituent institutes of UoP, including University Model School, University Public School, University College for Boys and College of Home Economics presented an impressive display of national songs and shared their views on the value and importance of gaining independence.
Addressing the main function, VC Jan said Pakistan has given us enormous respect and honour and now it is time to give it back by serving towards its prosperity.
“We need to make the nation self-sufficient by developing our economy and ensuring security,” said Jan, while urging students to serve their country by achieving academic excellence.
He added removing sectarian differences from Pakistan can help battle out many issues faced in the past three decades.
Pakistan Study Centre Director Professor Dr Fakhrul Islam, while speaking as the key note speaker at the event, said: “A country with 45% of its population less than 25 years of age has all the potential to thrive, provided the human resource capital is trained and developed.”
(centre) A large Pakistani flag hung near Nishat Chowk in Mingora on August 14. (bottom left)A father and his boys dressed in uniform ride a motorcycle on Arbab road. (above) The memorial in Shahi Bagh where Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed the people of Peshawar on October 19, 1936. PHOTO: EXPRESS
A similar event was also held at the Bara Gali summer campus of UoP, where a photo exhibition was held.
Swat
Teenagers celebrated the day with much enthusiasm in Mingora and distributed flags and badges among residents. The activity, named “I am Pakistan”, was conducted by the Youth Development Institute (YDI) to spread awareness regarding the importance of the day.
YDI Managing Director Akmal Khan said social work is very important for the youth so that they understand the value and problems of society.
“Our students and participants had decided before Independence Day to do a social activity. The business community donated money with which we were able to purchase the badges and flags being distributed today,” he said.
Participants said Swat has suffered immensely in the past few years, which has made these celebrations more valuable.
Abbas Wahab, a student who was leading the activity, said people should be grateful to God for bestowing us with this beautiful land. “Freedom is a great blessing,” he said.
Hazara
Flag hoisting ceremonies were held in all district headquarters of Hazara. District administration officials, lawyers and civil society members participated in the event.
The main function was held at the Jalal Baba Auditorium, Abbottabad where the Commissioner of Hazara Abid Ali hoisted the national flag. Speakers paid tribute to Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal for their efforts in creating Pakistan.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan Governor G-B Pir Karam Ali Shah was the chief guest at a ceremony held at Chinar Bagh. The ceremony was attended by civil society members, ministers and senior military and civil officials, including the chief secretary. The day began with a 21-gun salute. Addressing the gathering, the governor urged people to respect the sacrifices rendered by their forefathers to achieve independence.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2013.
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