15 August 2004	Sunday	28 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

PESHAWAR, Aug 14: Political parties and major public sector organziations and educational institutions held ceremonies to mark the 57th anniversary of the Independence Day here on Saturday.

Prominent among them were Pakistan International Airlines, Sarhad Transport Workers Corporation and the NWFP Agricultural University and the University of Peshawar.

A ceremony was held in the NWFP Agricultural University in which faculty members and other staff members participated in the function with national enthusiasm.

After the flag hoisting ceremony, the participants of the functions sang the national anthem.

The vice-chancellor of the university, Dr Iqbal Shah said, that the day reminded of the sacrifices and hardships rendered by hundreds of thousands of people at the time of Pakistan's inception. He said that teachers were duty-bound to inculcate patriotism in the new generation.

A similar ceremony was organised by PIA Boy Scouts at the PIA building in Saddar here.

The Chief Commissioner of the PIA Scouts, Sahibzada Sajjad Noor, reminded the PIA staff of the great sacrifices rendered by our forefathers for securing the country's independence.

He said that the best way to celebrate the day was to pledge to work honestly for the betterment of the country, he said.

Workers of the Sarhad Transport Workers' Confederation also held a function at the bus terminus on the G.T. Road.

The district Nazim, Azam Afridi and the minister for auqaf and religious affairs, Maulana Amanullah Haqani, also participated in the celebrations.

Speakers emphasised on the need for doing anything to preserve the country's solidarity besides urging district nazims to solve their problems.

A graceful flag hoisting ceremony was also held at the University of Peshawar.

The vice-chancellor, Lt-Gen (retd) Mumtaz Gul, unfurled the national flag followed by school students singing the national anthem.

Mr Gul reminded the youth of their responsibility to make Pakistan a prosperous and developed country. The vice-chancellor advised everyone to work hard to make the university a model institution.

Dr Taqi Bangash, Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities, highlighted the importance of the Independence Day and urged the students to focus on acquiring education.

Students of various faculties, constituent colleges and schools presented colourful tableaus, skits, national songs and speeches on the occasion.

Political parties' provincial wings also celebrated the Independence Day with enthusiasm.

A ceremony was also held at the provincial secretariat of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz group).

The provincial president of the PML-N, Mohammad Sabir Shah, said that it was the duty of political parties to strengthen the country.

Iqbal Zafar Jhagra expressed concern over the situation in Wana and Balochistan.

HARIPUR: Flag hoisting ceremony was held at the lawn of the tehsil municipal administration here, where provincial minister for transport Akhtar Nawaz Khan was the guest of honour.

Later, a motorcycle rally was held between Haripur and Abbottabad.