Daily Times

LAHORE: Activities to commemorate Pakistan Day in the city started with a 21-gun salute fired by Pakistan Army at Mehfooz Shaheed Garrison.

The gun salute ceremony was attended by both civilian and army families. Prayers were made on the occasion for the progress and prosperity of the country. Earlier, Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) had organised massive fireworks at Minar-e-Pakistan. Fireworks started as the clock struck 12 at midnight of Thursday-Friday.

Dozens of people thronged to the venue to watch the fireworks which spread massive colors on the sky.

The Pakistan Day was celebrated at all PAF bases and installations with traditional zeal and fervour. A guard mounting and wreath-laying ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Lahore. Air Commodore Syed Sabahat Hassan, Base Commander, Pakistan Air Force Lahore base, was the chief guest.

A contingent of the PAF took over guard duties from Satluj Rangers. The chief guest laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha at the grave of Allama Iqbal on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff, airmen and civilians of Pakistan Air Force.

Political parties, police and civil society also observed the day, while organising rallies, cake cutting ceremonies and seminars in the city. Besides, a flag lowering ceremony was held at Wagha Border that was attended by army’s officials and citizens.

The participants paid rich tributes to heroes of Pakistan Movement and highlighted the role of the leadership of All India Muslim League and vowed to continue the struggle to make Pakistan a true reflection of the dreams of the forefathers.

PTI Punjab chapter carried out a rally from Liberty Roundabout to Charing Cross under the leadership of Aleem Khan, while another rally was taken out from Santnagar, which led by Yasmin Rashid.

Islami Jamiat Talaba Pakistan, student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, organised an ‘Istahkam Bike Rally’ which started from Bhaikay Wal Mor and ended at PMG Chowk.

Punjab Police arranged a seminar and paid tribute to martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle against the British Raj. The speakers urged the participants to make protection of Pakistan their goal of life.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar attended a ceremony at Cathedral School, along with his family members Day. He visited different parts of the school and witnessed a tableau show presented by students.

The Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust (NPT) marked the day with a ceremony at Aiwan-i-Karkunan-i-Tehreek-i-Pakistan. Speakers vowed to show complete unity and solidarity in line with the spirit of Pakistan Movement in order to defeat the enemies of the country.

NPT vice chairman Dr Rafique Ahmed presided over the seminar and those who spoke on the occasion included Justice (retd) Khalilur Rehman Khan, Justice (retd) Mian Aftab Farrukh, Siraj Ahmed, Col (retd) Salim Malik, Muhammad Arshad Ch, Ch Zafrullah Khan, Mian Ibrahim Tahir and others. NPT secretary-general Shahid Rasheed conducted the seminar.

In his special message, NPT chairman Muhammad Rafique Tarar said that 23rd March was a turning point in the struggle for Pakistan by the Muslims of the Sub-continent. “This day provided a clear direction to their struggle and they were on their feet to implement the resolution passed on this day,” he said, adding: “The Muslims were able to get Pakistan under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in a short span of seven years.”

Published in Daily Times, March 24^th  2018.