GUJRAT: The Azadi Float, which started its journey from Rawalpindi, arrived at GTS Chowk Gujrat on Monday to a warm reception from local administration officials. The float, launched under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day, is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on Tuesday.

Despite invitations extended by the district administration, no former lawmakers or ruling PML-N party officials attended the reception. Punjab Minister for Industries and PML-Q Secretary General Chaudhary Shafay Hussain, who was expected to address the event, was also absent.

Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Safdar Virk and other administrative officials welcomed the float at GTS Chowk, located along the old GT Road. The venue was adorned with Pakistani flags and banners, and the float itself featured cultural displays representing all four provinces of Pakistan, along with models of provincial monuments.

Local singers and students performed national songs and tableaux during the event. The Deputy Commissioner addressed the participants, emphasising the importance of celebrating Independence Day with enthusiasm.

The float’s journey included a previous reception at Jhelum River inside Sara I Alamgir, led by Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Akmal, before passing through Kharian and Lalamusa in the Gujrat district.

Huge security arrangements had been made around the venue as entry of vehicles towards the GTS Chowk had been restricted through barricading the roads from a distance of almost 500 meters causing a great deal of inconvenience to motorists throughout the day. Only pedestrians were allowed to pass through the area.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2024