Lahoris seldom miss any opportunity to exhibit their patriotism on any national day. And this year, too, they proved their love for the Land of the Pure by celebrating 72nd Independence Day of Pakistan in a befitting manner. The celebrations dawned with special thanksgiving prayers for the prosperity and progress of the country followed by a 21-gun salute by the Pakistan Army at Mehfooz Shaheed Garrison on Burki Road. The ceremony was attended by students, army personnel and others. Special tribute was paid to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allam Iqbal and other heroes who dedicated their lives to get a separate homeland for Muslims of Sub-continent. A number of flag-hoisting and cake cutting ceremonies were also held by the Pakistan army, Rangers, Punjab government, Alhamra Arts Council, Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, Police, Lahore Development Authority, political parties, housing societies, Lahore High Court, Lahore High Court Bar Association, Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust, Lahore Press Club, Lahore Waste Management Company, civil society and different educational institutions. Buildings and government installations were festooned with colourful lights to mark the occasion. A change of guards ceremony was held at Iqbal’s Mausoleum. Lahore GOC Major General Shahid Mehmood was the chief guest on the occasion. He visited the Iqbal tomb and laid a wreath and offered Fateha. ‘Pakistan Zindabad slogans filled the air at Wagah border during the flag-lowering ceremony in the evening. Scores of people witnessed the ceremony. Citizen wearing clothes emblazoned with national flag colours poured out onto roads to celebrate the day with traditional festivity. Moreover, fireworks at different places mesmerised onlookers. Another prestigious ceremony was held at Punjab Civil Secretariat. Punjab Chief Secretary Akbar Durrani and Punjab Police Inspector General Syed Kaleem Imam hoisted the national flag at the ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, the chief secretary said “Pakistan was created after a long struggle and sacrifices by our elders. Every Pakistani should work with sincerity and devotion for progress and prosperity of the country.” The Lahore Waste Management Company also marked the day with full zeal and zest. The LWMC organised a tree plantation activity at its old dumpsite Mehmood Booti. The Punjab Safe City Authority also arranged a flag-hoisting ceremony at Qurban Lines. Pertinent to mention here is that the recently installed Public Address Sound Systems at more than 250 locations across the city aired patriotic songs in respective communities. Strict security arrangements were ensured across the city to avoid any untoward incident. Published in Daily Times, August 15th 2018.