National unity in Balochistan: Zestful Independence Day celebrations planned

Commander Southern Command says all institutions will participate in three days of festivities.

QUETTA: As Pakistanis gear up to commemorate the 67th year of the country’s independence, authorities in Balochistan, including the military, plan to mark the day with befitting celebrations throughout the province.

Unveiling the plan for the festivities, Commander Southern Command Lt-General Nasir Janjua said that events will be held in six Divisional Headquarters as part of the grand celebration that the province will hold to mark the nation’s independence.

While hosting an Iftar dinner for members of the press corps on Saturday, Janjua said that a T-20 tournament, football and hockey matches were arranged in separate stadiums across the provincial capital and people were allowed free entry.

Janjua revealed that preparations are under way for a unity parade as people from different regions and divisions of the province are expected to travel to Quetta and participate in the August 14 events.

According to the commander, the province is expected to mark the Independence Day with celebrations beginning from August 11 and culminating at midnight on August 14 with fireworks.

Janjua said that the military police will also perform on the occasion while the army will organise the fireworks. At the same time, mountaineers will display symbols of national unity from the hilltops overlooking the capital.

He said that a debate contest will also be organised in coordination with the relevant quarters to promote the concept of nationalism.

The commander said all political leaders will also be invited to participate in the main event where they will jointly perform the flag hoisting ceremony.

Senior officers of the Pakistan Army and the Frontier Corps also attended the Iftar dinner.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2014.