70th Independence Day celebrations in Punjab
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LAHORE (APP): The 70th Independence Day was celebrated in the provincial metropolis with great enthusiasm and in a befitting manner on Sunday.
On this occasion impressive ceremonies to highlight the importance of the day were held in the city. Special prayers were offered for the integrity, solidarity and prosperity of Pakistan after Namaz-e-Fajr.
All Formations and Units of Lahore Garrison celebrated the day with national zeal and the day dawned with 21 gun salute.
A change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of great poet Dr Allama Iqbal. Smartly turned out contingent of the Pak Army assumed guards duties at the mausoleum.
Marching to the tunes, the contingent moved to take positions at the four corners of the mausoleum. Garrison Commander Lahore Major General Sardar Tariq Aman laid floral wreath on the grave of Allama Iqbal and offered Fateha.
The students of various schools also presented the colourful programmes including national songs, tableau and speeches to highlight the importance of the Independence Day.
Ceremonies of national flag hoisting in different institutions were the special feature of the day.
The main function of Independence Day celebrations was held in the Hazoori Bagh where Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif was the chief.
Earlier Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif hoisted national flag at historic Alamgir gate of Lahore fort.
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also visited the mausoleum of Poet of the East Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal and laid a floral wreath on his grave, besides offering 'Fateha' for the great philosopher.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan unfurled national flag at the Assembly building and prayed to Allah Almighty for progress and prosperity of the Pakistan.
Addressing the flag hoisting ceremony, the Speaker urged urged the nation to renew the pledge on the Independence Day to work together for the progress of Pakistan.
A flag hoisting ceremony was held at Aiwan-i-Karkunan-i-Tehreek-i-Pakistan. The NPT Chairman Muhammad Rafiq Tarar along with Karkunan-i-Tehreek-i-Pakistan
hoisted the national flag. On the occasion, Dua was also offered for the martyrs of Pakistan Movement.
A graceful ceremony was held at Pakistan Railways Headquarters to mark Independence Day of Pakistan. The PR Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Muhammad Javad Anwar hoisted national flag and also planted a sapling there. National songs were played and police band also performed at the ceremony. Sweets were also distributed among the employees.
Flag hoisting ceremony was also held at Punjab University, WAPDA House, Lahore Hight Court to celebrate the Independence Day with national zeal. An impressive flag lowering ceremony was held at Wagah border witnessed by large number of people.
The national hoisting ceremonies featuring national anthem and milli songs were also organized in all the main educational institutions of the matropolitan city.
Another most important and regular feature of Independence Day in the city is the stalls of accessories and decorations of Independence Day. This time also, hundreds of stalls were set up since start of the month of August for the convenience of the I-Day celebrators across the city where they bought badges, buntings and other decorative of their choice. This activity not only enriched the Independence Day celebrations but also becomes a source of livelihood for a number of families.
At night, all the public and major private buildings/offices were profusely decorated and illuminated in various parts of the city especially the public and private buildings along sides The Mall Road. While, hundreds of motorcyclists in rallies and groups rushed to the main city roads. They were chanting slogans of 'Pakistan Zinda Bad' and sang milli songs to express their love and affection with the motherland.
The Radio Pakistan, PTV and all the private TV channels aired special programmes highlighting the importance of the I-Day, and blissing of an independent homeland and freedom, while all the newspapers also published detailed writings in this regard.
The law enforcement agencies had made tight security arrangements on this occasion.
