Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr Hassan Askari presided over a high-level meeting on Monday to take a detailed review of devised security plan and arrangements of celebrations planned with regard to upcoming Independence Day anniversary in the province. The meeting finalised the security plan and details of celebrations scheduled for August 14. Addressing the meeting, the Punjab caretaker chief minister said that 71st anniversary of the independence day is a great occasion adding that Pakistani nation will celebrate the independence day with full fervour and zeal. “Those who had sacrificed their lives during Pakistan Movement are our heroes and so the nation pays its rich tributes to all those national heroes on this auspicious day. In fact, the benefaction and benevolence of Pakistan Movement leaders and workers can never be returned by us,” he said. “All the Muslims of the subcontinent were united under the great leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and they crossed rivers of blood and suffered tremendous pains to achieve the cherished goal of a motherland of their own,” Punjab Caretaker CM Dr Hassan Askari said, adding that responsible social behaviour should be exhibited on independence day because freedom is bonded with responsibility. Hooliganism or raucous behaviour cannot be allowed in the name of freedom, he said. He said that buildings will be illuminated in a distinctive manner adding that best arrangements for the holding of Independence Day celebrations will be made. As citizens are the core of celebrations, therefore, provision of facilities should be ensured to them, he directed. The administration should pull out all the stops for making best arrangements and special attention should be given to the security of the people. The enemy is conspiring to destabilise Pakistan; therefore, we all have to fail the nefarious designs of the enemy by making collective efforts in this regard, concluded Dr Hassan Askari. The meeting was informed that the main function of Independence Day will be held at Hazoori Bagh with the CM as its chief guest. The CM will visit the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal where he will lay the floral wreath. Later, the CM will raise the national flag at Alamgiri Gate. Lord Mayor Lahore, commissioner Lahore division, Lahore Development Authority director general, Capital City Police Officer Lahore, deputy inspector general operations, deputy commissioner Lahore and others officials concerned attended the meeting. Published in Daily Times, August 14th 2018.