QUETTA: The national flag was hoisted at the Quaid-i-Azam Residency in Ziarat on Tuesday in a ceremony to commemorate the founder of Pakistan’s birthday, held on the lawns of the historic building where the leader had spent his last days.

Balochistan chief minister Jam Mir Kamal Khan Alyani, Southern Command Commander Lt General Asim Saleem Bajwa, Frontier Corps Balochistan Inspector General Maj Gen Fayyaz Hussain Shah, and IG Police Mohsin Butt, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri as well as provincial ministers and MPAs, and a large number of people participated in the flag-hoisting ceremony.

Chief Minister Jam Kamal while speaking at the ceremony said that the nation had mammoth of respect for the founding father of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said that the nation had to vow to carry forward Quaid’s legacy and be united under one flag and always be ready to struggle together for the development of the country.

“The founder of the nation spent his last days in Ziarat Valley. The people of Balochistan greatly respect him and the Ziarat Residency is our pride,” said the minister.

While speaking about the prevailing situation of the country, Mr Kamal said that the nation should learn from the past to bring stability in their daily lives. He added that people of different cultures and religions were living in peace and harmony in Pakistan.

“The people of Balochistan love their country and never hesitate to render sacrifices for the protection of Pakistan,” he said. Jam Kamal said that the nation could face all challenges by choosing the right direction because the forefathers sacrificed their lives for the future of coming generations.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2018