PESHAWAR, March 23: Pakistan Day was celebrated with national fervour and enthusiasm in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and cantonments in the NWFP on Wednesday. The day dawned with prayers at mosques for peace, prosperity and solidarity in the motherland. Officers and men in uniform offered Fajr prayers with tribesmen in the mosques. Corps Commander Lt-Gen Safdar Hussain had ordered deployment of formations in the tribal areas to assist the political administration and local people in the celebrations.

Students’ rallies and walks were held in Jandola, Janata, Wana, Shakai, Angoor Adda, Ladha, Miranshah, Parachinar, Hangu, Thal, Dogar, Terimengal and other areas to condemn terrorism and promote peace. The students were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans, ‘We want peace and development in Fata’ and ‘Down with terrorism’.

Declamation contests were arranged to highlight the significance of independence and the sacrifices offered by tribesmen and other people for it.

Ulema held jirgas in Spinkai Raghzai, Janata, Serwakai, Khamrang, Shakai and other areas. They projected the role of Ulema in the independence movement and highlighted the challenges confronted by the tribal areas in the changing scenario. They urged people to join hands with the government in its effort to eradicate terrorism from the area and assist in development works.

The army had arranged distribution of foodstuff, sports goods, stationary items and national flags among tribesmen and students in various areas.

Friendly volleyball and cricket matches were played in different parts of Waziristan between the troops deployed there and local people. Ex-servicemen also staged rallies in Jandola, Janata, Wana, Ladha, Shakai and other areas.—APP