The academia at Government College University (GCU), Lahore, on Tuesday, celebrated the 72nd Independence Day of Pakistan with the traditional zeal and prayed for peace and prosperity of the country. Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Hassan Amir Shah inaugurated the day-long celebrations by planting a tree at the University’s Bukhari Lawns, which was followed by a grand flag-hoisting ceremony and parliamentary debates on the topic, “Is Pakistan progressing in the right direction?” Addressing the flag-hoisting ceremony at the University’s historical Bukhari Auditorium, the VC laid stress on strengthening the national institutions of the country. He said that the country is facing the biggest challenges of extremism and high population growth. Further, he said that the faculty members, staff and students of GCU should leave no stone unturned for the development of the country by focusing on research and education. Another faculty member, Professor Dr. Sultan Shah, added that Pakistan was created with immense sacrifices by our forefathers. The portrait of Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, sketched by a student, Osama Ishaq, was also put on display at the ceremony. At the end, students of Nazir Ahmed Music Society performed different patriotic songs. Published in Daily Times, August 15th 2018.