PESHAWAR, March 23: Pakistan Day was celebrated across the Federally Administered Tribal areas, Dir and Chitral districts with traditional zeal and renewed resolve to make the country an abode of peace and amity.

Unprecedented enthusiasm was witnessed among the tribesmen in all the tribal agencies where elaborate and extensive arrangements had been made to mark the day.

Frontier Corps authorities in collaboration with political administration, local elders, ulema, civil society activists, tribal intelligentsia and students had chalked out programmes to mark the day.

The day dawned with special prayers at all mosques of Frontier Corps units for peace, prosperity and solidarity of the motherland. Special messages were read out to the troops after flag-hoisting ceremonies in all units and wing headquarters of the FC.

Students of various schools staged rallies at agency headquarters and other main towns. They were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans condemning terrorism and supporting the government’s development initiatives.

Declamation contests were held to highlight the significance of independence and the sacrifices offered by our forefathers, including tribesmen, for carving out an independent state for the Muslims of the sub-continent.

Friendly sports matches were played between FC troops and locals in different areas.—APP