LAHORE: Flag hoisting, tree planting, speech contests and rallies were organised by public and private institutions in the city to mark the 75th Independence Day of the country.

Prayers for the security and progress of Pakistan and the well-being of the people were offered.

The day also witnessed rallies and people hoisted national flags atop their houses and on vehicles. The youngsters enjoyed the day by hitting roads, enjoying events and having their faces painted. People of all ages came out and a number of people gathered at Liberty roundabout and enjoyed dances to beat of drums and singing national songs.

The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) hoisted a 200-foot high national flag at Jillani Park. Around 300 workers of the PHA worked hard for nine days to make the flag. Minister Aslam Iqbal hoisted the flag at the ceremony. The PHA also turned lights of roads and parks green.

Flag-hoisting and tree planting ceremonies were also held in all public and private educational institutes including the Punjab University’s New Campus, the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Sitara-o-Hilal Foundation (SHF), the University of Education, the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), the University of Home Economics (UHE), and the University of Okara.

Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid participated as a special guest in the events organised at the King Edward Medical University and the Fatima Jinnah Medical University.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan hoisted the Pakistani flag at the Assembly building, which was preceded by a siren. The speaker, along with the C&W minister and secretary assembly, inspected the guard of honour. A ceremony was held at Camp Jail on Ferozepur Road. Provincial minister Mian Aslam Iqbal and Interior Minister retired Col Hashim Dogar attended the ceremony.

The National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) celebrated the anniversary of Pakistan’s independence at its offices and grid stations across the country. A graceful ceremony was held at TSG Training Center, New Kot Lakhpat, where NTDC Managing Director Engr Dr Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan hoisted the national flag. It was followed by the national anthem.

A ceremony to mark the day was also held at Sagheer Railways Police Lines. IGP Faisal Shahkar hoisted the national flag.

The Pakistan Railways’ Lahore Division organised a sports festival at Burt Institute and Railways Stadium at Garhi Shahu.

The Lahore Central Business District Development Authority (LCBDDA) also organised an event. The celebration began with flag hoisting at CBD House Punjab, along with special prayers for the development and safety of the country, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony.

Among other events were the one at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Regional Office, Lahore. Nespak celebrated the day by arranging a simple but impressive ceremony. Managing Director Dr Tahir Masood hoisted the national flag and the national anthem was played.

Earlier, the City Traffic Police on Sunday launched a crackdown on underage bike and car drivers, and seized 480 bikes for speeding, one-wheeling and zig-zagging. Moreover, 1,862 drivers were issued challans for not driving responsibly.

The Punjab police announced strict action against people causing disruption of peace, indulging in one-wheeling, or riding silencer-less bikes on Independence Day.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2022