A fireworks display at Parade Avenue, Islamabad marked August 14, 2015. PHOTO: AFP
A high number of people from the twin-cities, as well as tourists from across the country, visited the city to celebrate Independence Day on Friday.
A number of visitors were just passing through en route to Murree, only to be greeted by suspended mobile phone services and blocked roads. The government, a day earlier, had warned of the measures but commuters were nevertheless caught unaware.
As the premier and other dignitaries were attending the flag-hoisting ceremony at Convention Centre in the morning, people heading to Murree had to remain trapped in traffic jams without mobile phone reception owing to measures taken by the police.
Most of the roads leading to Murree were blocked off, with police warning to only allow those with proof of hotel bookings to pass through.
Regardless, the public thronged parks and other places to celebrate the beginning of the long weekend. Throughout the day and night one could see cars adorned with the national flag zooming on the main roads, and ‘biker boys’ roaming the streets while wheeling, making driving a heart-stopping experience.
Lok Virsa exhibitions
The day was celebrated with fervour in Shakaparian by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa).
Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed said “building a pluralistic national identity can help young people realise how diversity, democracy and acceptance of each other is a positive foundation, and not a source of conflict, pain and instability”.
The programmes at the institute included an exhibition of 12 young artists in various crafts including lacquer art, wax printing, basketry work, embroidery, truck art, wood work, traditional doll making, and shawl weaving.
Lok Virsa also organised an art competition for children at the Pakistan Monument Museum.
A total of 18 participants between six and 12 years created independence-themed artwork. The works will be displayed at the National Museum of Ethnology (Heritage Museum) in a separate diorama.
An exotic crafts bazaar, artisan shops and live musical performances by folk artists and dancers were also a part of the celebrations at the Heritage Museum.
Flag hoisting
A flag-raising ceremony was held at National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) headquarters as well as at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) head-office.
“Each individual should play his part for the growth, prosperity and development of the country” said NHMP Inspector-General Muhammad Saleem Bhatti.
PNCA Director-General Shabbir Ahmed and members of his staff were in attendance at the ceremony there, said a news release.
Rescue 1122’s anniversary
The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) celebrated Independence Day, along with its own eighth anniversary, in Rawalpindi on Friday.
Pakistan Red Crescent Society Secretary General Dr Rizwan Naseer was the chief guest at the event. Naseer, who is also the founder and director general of Rescue 1122, congratulated the force on completing eight years of service and rescuing over 112,211 lives in Rawalpindi District since August 14, 2007.
AIOU celebrates
The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) held an elaborate Independence Day celebration on Friday at its main campus in Islamabad.
The varsity’s students presented patriotic songs, speeches, and a tableau. Renowned artist Faqir Hussain and his team also presented a tableau at the event.
Similar functions were held at AIOU campuses nationwide, according to a news release.
Celebrations in Attock
Functions were held across Attock District. State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed was the chief guest at an event at the district council. In attendance were senior official from the city’s administration and students from different schools.
Students delivered speeches, sang national songs and presented tableaus. Similar functions were held in Jand, Pindi Gheb and other tehsils.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2015.
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