PESHAWAR: Pakistan Day was celebrated across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday and events were held to highlight its importance as Pakistan resolution was passed on the same day in 1940 in Lahore.

In provincial capital, the day started with a 21-gun salute. Later during the investiture ceremony, which took place at Governor’s House, Governor Ghaulam Ali distributed national awards among 58 people. He awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Tamgha-i-Shujaat, Pride of Performance and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz to them.

Peshawar mayor Haji Zubair Ali was awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for his efforts for civil service. Asmat Jabeen and Dr Nadeem Jan were awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Amjad Aziz Malik for his service in journalism, Noor Din, the maker of Kaptan Chappal, Humayun Khan in the field of Pashto music, Dr Umer Shahbaz Khan in education, Dr Kashif Kifayat in cyber security, Dr Amjad Mehboob in health and Gulab Khel in rabab playing were awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.

Similarly, Farmanullah, Azmat Ali Shah, Mujeebullah, Miskhatullah, Ashfaq Ahmed and Mujeebullah Shah were awarded Tamgha-i-Shujaaat.

Participants of different events pledge to work for uplift of country

Besides, Pakistan Day was observed in Bajaur tribal district with great zeal and fever.

The district administration, Bajaur Scouts and other governmental and non-governmental organisations arranged several ceremonies and functions to highlight the importance of the day.

The two main events on the occasion were held at Bajaur Scouts Nawagai camp and a high school in Lowi Sam area of Khar tehsil. Both the events were attended by a large number of locals, students and officials.

Besides other activities, speech competition among students was an important segment of these functions to highlight the history and importance of the Pakistan Day.

The district administration of Tank celebrated the day by staging a flag hoisting ceremony. The ceremony was held at deputy commissioner’s office. Officials from different departments including Assistant Commissioner Aminullah, Additional Assistant Commissioner Jamshed Alam and District Food Controller Aman Khan along with scholars, members of civil society and students attended the event.

A sapling was also planted at the deputy commissioner’s office. A walk was also organised as part of Pakistan Day celebrations. The participants of the walk were carrying national flags and placards and banners inscribed with slogans of long live Pakistan and long live armed forces.

The participants of the walk said that they would never forget the sacrifices of their forefathers for creation of Pakistan. They also pledged to render any type of sacrifice for the survival, development and prosperity of Pakistan.

Similarly, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at the office of deputy commissioner in Mohmand tribal district.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Mohammad Ehteshamul Haq and officials of district administration and police besides local elders and journalists attended the ceremony. Prayers were offered for prosperity and solidarity of the country.

In Lower South Waziristan too, a function was organised at a high school in Wana to mark March 23 as a renewal of pledge.

The district administration also organised a function and a walk.

They day was celebrated both in Upper and Lower Chitral districts. Several functions were held in both the districts to highlight the importance of the day.

In Lower Chitral, a function was held in Frontier Corps Public School in the headquarters of Chitral Scouts. It was attended by students of different schools from across the district. They renewed their pledge to make Pakistan a development country.

Advisor to Chief Minister on Tourism, Culture and Archaeology Zahid Chanzeb on Saturday praised the beautiful display of tourism and cultural potential on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa float in Pakistan Day parade.

“Every nook and corner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is replete with vast tourism potential and unique culture. We are striving to exploit these assets for the benefit of people and province,” he said in a statement.

KP Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) erected a cultural float that showcased the land of ancient civilisations, rich cultures, brave and hospitable people, e-governance system, tourism police, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), historic sites, traditional Khattak dance, the famous musical instrument rabab and much more, he said.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2024