QUETTA / Gilgit: The Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal across Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan on Sunday with the determination to make Pakistan a developed and prosperous nation.

Flag hoisting ceremonies were held in Quetta and other areas of Balocshitan while political parties, members of civil societies and youth organisations took out processions carrying national flags on cars and motorbikes throughout the day.

Key ceremonies were held at Governor House, Balochistan Assembly, Balochistan High Court and all divisional and district headquarters.

Balochistan Acting Governor Mir Jan Muhammad Jamali congratulated the entire nation on 75 years of independence and noted that Pakistan was the only nuclear power among Muslim countries, “which makes its defence impregnable”.

He said Balochistan was the guarantor of the country’s bright future, so the federal government must also play an active role in developing the province and bringing prosperity to its people.

“We got freedom after a long struggle of our elders and countless sacrifices.

“Now, it’s the responsibility of the young generation to maintain their freedom forever,” Mr Jamali said.

“On this important day, we, as a nation, should carefully analyse what we have lost and found over the last 75 years.”

Speaking at a flag hoisting ceremony in the lawns of the provincial assembly, Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Qudus Bizenjo said freedom was a great blessing of Allah which we should cherish and should not hesitate to make any sacrifice to protect and develop the country.

He regretted that the nations that became independent after Pakistan were now more developed.

“We are lagging behind them because we failed to play our role for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.”

The chief minister noted that citizens were going through a tough phase across the province due to recent rains and flash floods but stressed that it had also ended a long drought and raised groundwater levels.

He also expressed sorrow over the crash of a military helicopter during a relief operation in Lasbela earlier this month and said history will always remember the officers who had lost their lives in that accident.

The chief minister paid homage to Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali and five other service members who were martyred in the incident and said the manner in which the Pakistan Army had conducted relief work in the flood-hit districts was commendable.

He claimed relief goods were supplied to the people affected by floods in a transparent manner and no case of corruption in the delivery of relief goods was reported.

He also noted that helicopters were used to supply relief goods and rescue citizens in some areas.

The chief minister said the biggest challenge was rehabilitating the affected people and the damaged communication system.

The unprecedented rains in Balochistan badly damaged the communication system and government infrastructure, he said.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal government for their cooperation.

The premier’s visits to Balochistan’s flood-hit areas was a proof of his love for the province, the chief minister added.

Independence Day celebrations were also held in Dera Murad Jamali, Khuzdar, Kalat, Turbat, Loralai, Noshki, Gwadar, Pishin, Chaman, Sibi, Hub, Ziarat, Dera Bugti and other areas of the province.

Lt Gen Ghafoor’s visit to Quetta

Meanwhile, Commander XII Corps Lt Gen Asif Ghafoor paid a surprise visit to Quetta on Independence Day and met citizens.

He visited several areas of the city without additional protocol and stopped at several places.

It was Lt Gen Ghafoor’s first visit to the city after assuming the office of the XII corps commander.

Celebrations in GB

The Independence Day was celebrated across Gilgit-Baltistan with traditional zeal and fervour.

The national flag was hoisted on all important public and private buildings, offices and tourists areas while bazaars and markets were illuminated with colourful lights.

Rallies and functions were held to highlight the importance of the day.

The main function was held at Yadgar-i-Shohda in Chinarbagh area of Gilgit where Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan hoisted the flag.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the independence of Pakistan had inspired the people of GB to revolt against the Dogra regime and they finally secured independence on November 1, 1947.

A floral wreath was laid at the mausoleum of Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed in Ghizer district to pay homage to the brave son of the soil.

Force Command Gilgit-Baltistan Major General Jawwad Ahmad laid the floral wreath.

A contingent of Pakistan Army presented guard of honour while people from different walks of life, civil and military officials and relatives of the Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed attended the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2022