ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Friday said Aug 14 was not only Independence Day but also a day for introspection.

He was speaking at a flag hoisting ceremony held at the IHC on Friday.

“This day reminds us of the teachings of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and we should ask ourselves whether we are performing our duties,” he added.

Besides judges of the IHC, lawyers, judicial officers and staff, the IHC administration had also invited members of minority communities to participate in the ceremony.

Justice Minallah said: “The Islamic Republic of Pakistan came into existence after a long-drawn struggle led by the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The national flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on Aug 11, 1947. The green field of the national flag represents the Muslim majority, while the other religious communities are acknowledged as equal citizens by the white portion. The nation commemorates Aug 14 each year as Independence Day in recognition of achieving independence and the status as a sovereign state amongst the comity of nations.”

Flag hoisting ceremonies held in Rawalpindi, Islamabad

While planting a tree at the IHC premises, he said Pakistan was among the 10 countries severely affected by climate change. The tree plantation drive in the IHC, he said, is aimed at minimising the impact of environmental degradation. Taking care of grown trees would be considered as a part of the service dossier of officials, he added.

According to a statement issued by the IHC administration the chief justice and judges of the IHC reaffirmed their commitment to the ideas and visions of the makers of Pakistan.

The representatives of the chief justice, presidents of Islamabad High Court Bar Association and District Bar Association - Samsoon Masih (cleaner/janitor), Israr Hussain (gardener), Mohammad Suleman Khan (qasid) and Sahibullah (watchman) hoisted the national flag.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Telecommunication Company (PTCL) celebrated the Independence Day at its headquarters.

A special flag hoisting ceremony was held and was attended by Syed Mazhar Hussain, chief human resources officer, and other senior officials.

Rawalpindi

Independence Day was celebrated in the city with traditional zeal and fervour. Events were held in educational institutions, government, semi-government and private departments.

The main flag hoisting ceremony was held at the auditorium of Government Viqarun Nisa College.

Commissioner Mohammad Mehmood, Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq, Station Commander Brigadier Ijaz Qamar Kiani and members of the national and provincial assemblies attended the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner said the day also reminds us to renew our resolve to make efforts for development and progress of the country and show readiness to make every sacrifice for the defence of the country.

He said the determination and zeal of the Pakistan Movement is needed for the speedy progress of Pakistan.

“We should also act upon the golden principles of the father of the nation: unity, faith and discipline,” he added.

A flag hoisting ceremony was also held at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI). It was attended by a large number of people.

At Lahore High Court Rawalpindi, a ceremony was held to celebrate the day. Senior Judge Justice Anwarul Haq Pannu accompanied by senior Additional Registrar Suhail Ikram, Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bar Association President Malik Waheed and Secretary General Raja Faheem Altaf hoisted the flag.

Justice Anwarul Haq Pannu paid tributes to those who rendered countless sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan.

Attock

Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at public and private offices across the district and special programmes were held to observe the day.

The main ceremony was held in Attock where Chairman Public Accounts Committee Punjab Syed Yawar Abbas Bokhari and DC Ali Anan Qamar jointly hoisted the national flag.

They recalled the sacrifices of those who fought for and laid down their lives in defence of the country.

Mr Bokhari called upon the people to “stand firm and work for progress and prosperity” of the country. He urged the people to stay united in order to meet the challenges that are being faced by Pakistan.

Earlier, students from different schools wearing colourful dresses presented national songs.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) arranged flag hoisting ceremonies at different airports.

The main function was held at Islamabad International Airport where Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan hoisted the national flag.

Senior Joint Secretary Aviation Division Abdul Sattar Khokhar, Airport Manager Adnan Khan along with senior officials of CAA also attended the ceremony.

The CAA decorated the airport with flags, buntings and balloons while the terminal building was illuminated as well.

Meanwhile, PIA celebrated the event at its major stations.

PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik unfurled the flag at the PIA office at the Mall in Rawalpindi.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2020