RAWALPINDI: District administration on Tuesday alerted the members of the District Peace Committee ahead of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S), Independence Day (August 14) as they will likely fall the same day and asked themto make arrangements more effective and comprehensive.

The meeting of the district peace committee was held at Deputy Commissioner office under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner General Dr Hasaan Tariq.

Besides members of the district peace committee, official from all relevant departments participated in the meeting.

Dr Hassan Tariq stated that during Muharram, exemplary arrangements helped maintain a peaceful atmosphere, which must continue during the Chehlum processions and Independence Day celebrations.

On this occasion, members of the peace committee presented various suggestions and emphasised the importance of inter-sect harmony, saying that we must demonstrate unity, tolerance, and brotherhood by acting upon the commandments of Allah Almighty.

Scholars from all schools of thought assured the administration that they would play their active role in maintaining peace on the occasion of Chehlum.

Additional Deputy Commissioner General Dr. Hassan Tariq further stated that it is essential to remain vigilant about internal and external conspiracies during such sensitive times so that the malicious intentions of enemies may be thwarted.

Meanwhile, a separate meeting was held to review the arrangements of Independence day celebrations and informed that Punjab government had decided to celebrate the Independence Day festivities from August 1 and continue until the night of August 13 as Chelum will be likely held on August 14.

This year, Independence Day will not be celebrated in a traditional manner due to Chehlum, but with a renewed spirit, as it also marks a tribute to the recent victory of our armed forces over the enemy.

These views were expressed by Assistant Commissioner Saddar Hakim Khan, while presiding over a meeting in his office regarding Independence Day celebrations.

The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Cantonment Saad Rehman. On this occasion, the Assistant Commissioner informed the meeting that the Independence Day festivities will commence on August 1 and continue until the night of August 13. On August 14, a flag-hoisting ceremony will be held simultaneously across the country, with participation from all tehsils of Rawalpindi.

He added that streets, markets, and neighborhoods across the city and tehsils will be adorned with national flags, while government buildings will be decorated in green and white with special lighting.

Competitions of national songs will also be organised. Additionally, there will be a contest among tehsils for best arrangements, and commendation certificates will be awarded to winners.

A flag-hoisting ceremony will be held on August 14. He further emphasised that in August, the ‘Clean Punjab’ campaign will be carried out with greater dedication and diligence to ensure a clean and vibrant environment throughout the district during the celebrations.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2025