Pakistan marked its 79th Independence Day with flag-hoisting ceremonies and other events across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with political leaders, government officials and senior authorities calling for national unity, development, peace and stability.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Independence Day was an opportunity for the younger generation to renew its commitment to the country’s future. She said she wanted to see young people equipped with books, pens and laptops, stressing that genuine development was one in which no one was left behind.
Lahore High Court Chief Justice Justice Aalia Neelum, while addressing an Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony, said love for the homeland was part of faith and urged citizens to work tirelessly for the country’s progress.
An Independence Day ceremony was also held at King Edward Medical University Lahore, where Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique participated and offered prayers for the country’s security and development. He said everyone had a role to play in Pakistan’s progress.
The Sports Board Punjab also held a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by officials and employees. A minute of silence was observed in tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Independence Day should serve as a reminder of the objectives behind the creation of Pakistan and the sacrifices made for freedom. He said that even after 79 years, the goal of developing a truly united Pakistani nation remained incomplete.
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said Pakistan had not yet fully achieved the objectives for which it was created and called for greater focus on the country’s ideological foundations.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi hoisted the national flag at Governor House. Iran’s Consul General Ali Banvesh Khah also attended the ceremony, where prayers were offered for Pakistan’s progress, prosperity and stability.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam called for continued efforts to strengthen the province and said a united approach was necessary to eliminate terrorism.
KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said the objectives for which Pakistan was created would be pursued and pledged that no sacrifice would be avoided for the country.
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja paid tribute to the martyrs who defended Pakistan and said the armed forces were guarantors of peace and development. She said Pakistan was increasingly being recognised internationally for peace, development, strong defence and progress towards a digital future.
