QUETTA: Like other parts of the country, Pakistan Day was celebrated in Balochistan on Thursday with national zeal and fervour.

Several processions were taken out by government organisations, political parties, students and civil society organisations in the provincial capital and other towns and cities of the province.

The main ceremony to mark the day was held at Askari Park in Quetta where Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai hoisted the national flag.

Balochistan Assembly Speaker Raheela Durrani, provincial ministers Dr Hamid Achakzai and Mir Mujeebur Rehman, Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Aamir Riaz, Frontier Corps Inspector General Maj Gen Naveed Anjum, IG Ahsan Mehboob and a large number of civil and military officers attended the ceremony.

A festival was also arranged at Askari Park where military equipment, modern weapons and other items were displayed for the public. Civil Aviation planes presented fly-past. Students of various girls and boys schools sang national songs and presented different programmes on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, the governor said it was a day to show unity and pledge to foil nefarious designs of the enemies who wanted to divide the nation. “We are a courageous nation and know how to defend our country.”

Mr Achakzai said that with positive policies of the present government, a large number of militants had joined mainstream after laying down their weapons. He said a bright Balochistan was playing important role in the development of the country.

Functions and rallies were also held in Gwadar, Sibi, Chaman, Dera Murad Jamali, Khuzdar, Kalat, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Zhob, Dera Allahyar, Usta Muhammad, Jaffarabad, Turbat, Panjgur, Sohbatpur, Uthal and other towns to celebrate Pakistan Day.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2017