RAWALPINDI: The residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad celebrated Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervour on Saturday.

Different events were held in educational institutions, government, semi-government and private departments and organisations across the twin cities. Besides flag hoisting and other functions, rallies, seminars and cake-cutting ceremonies were also held to mark the 74th IndependenceDay.

The residents took to the main roads and public parks throughout the day. Many children and youth had the national and Kashmir flags painted on their faces. Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, houses, buildings and markets were decorated with the national flags, buntings and lights.

Business activities remained suspended in most areas. Elected public representatives displayed large hoardings and banners along Murree Road featuring the portraits of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah, Allama Mohammad Iqbal and other prominent figures.

A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench with Justice Raja Shahid Mehmood Abbasi as the chief guest.

Flag-hoisting functions, rallies mark event in twin cities

The function was attended by Justice Sohail Nasir, retired Justice Nasir Saeed Sheikh, senior additional registrar Raja Ghazanfar, High Court Bar Association Rawalpindi president Sardar Raziq, secretary Shahid Ali and member Punjab Bar Council Basharatullah Khan. Former president Pakistan Bar Council Qalbe Hassan, lawyers and officials were also present.

A contingent of Punjab police saluted the national flag.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Abbasi said Independence Day is a day of renewed commitment that we will not spare any sacrifice for the defence and development of the country.

He said independence has been won by our elders as a result of great sacrifices and now it is our responsibility to carry out our duties with utmost honesty and diligence in whatever field we belong to, so that the blessings of freedom can be realised.

Justice Abbasi said the judiciary had always worked for the dignity of the Constitution and supremacy of justice and ensured the delivery of justice to the common man.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Amir Aqiq Khan hoisted the national flag at Government Girls High School in Masa Kaswal, Gujar Khan.

The assistant commissioner of Gujar Khan, teachers and students were present on the occasion.

The DC cut a cake and also planted a sapling in the school yard.

Speaking on the occasion, he said according to the government’s instructions every Pakistani must plant a tree today.

He said sacrifices of our forefathers for winning us a free homeland should be remembered. He said every Pakistani should pledge that they would do their utmost for the dignity of the country and its development.

A flag-hoisting and cake-cutting ceremony was also organised under the auspices of Punjab Arts Council. Member Punjab Assembly Seemabia Tahir was chief guest at the function.

Speaking on the occasion, the MPA said Pakistan is our identity and we are nothing without it.

She said Pakistan gave us everything and we did not give anything to it.

She said knowledge fosters intellectual thinking in man. Pakistan is getting stronger economically. To take Pakistan forward, people must work with the government.

Rawalpindi Arts Council Director Waqar Ahmed also spoke.

A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Tanvir Khaliq along with Registrar Prof Dr Faramanullah Khan and senior university officials, faculty and students of the school of dentistry were also present.

The vice chancellor said: “As a nation we have advanced positively in many fields but our foremost success is the advancement and value-added research in the field of medicine and constructive growth in medical education.”

He said everyone should value independence while keeping a strong bond with Islamic ideology.

APP adds:The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) held a nine km vehicle rally in Islamabad to mark Independence Day and promote a positive image of the country.

Over 120 vehicles, including cruiser bikes, Harley Davidson motorbikes, sports performance bikes, classic vintage cars and other vehicles took part in the rally which started from D-Chowk, and culminated at F-9 Park.

The rally was arranged by the PTDC in collaboration with Zalmi Off-road and Rally Club, TLC 40 Series Club, HOG Pakistan, Car Craft, Heritage Motor Club, Mercedes Club of Pakistan, Harley Owners Group, Vintage and Classic Club of Pakistan.

PTDC Managing Director Aftab Rana said the rally was aimed at conveying the message to the world that Pakistan was a peaceful and safe country, its people were friendly and hospitable and the country was moving forward on the path of development.

He said the initiative would help promote the image of Pakistan as an attractive tourist destination. About a tree plantation drive at the end of the rally, he said the initiative was aimed at making Pakistan a more green and attractive country for tourism.

He said such activities would encourage people to plant more and more trees in their cities and towns.

Keeping in view the prevailing Covid-19 situation, all rally activities including the concluding ceremony were held outdoors.

Published in Dawn, August 15th , 2021