PESHAWAR: The country’s 78th Independence Day was observed across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with national zeal and fervour on Thursday.

In Dera Ismail Khan, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the police lines to mark Independence Day.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who was the chief guest on the occasion, stressed collective efforts for peace and development in the country.

“Pakistan is our identity and our pride. We are determined to make it a truly great nation,” he said.

The chief minister paid tribute to the police and security forces for ensuring peace in the province through unmatched sacrifices.

CM stresses collective efforts for peace, development

He said the day reminded people of the price of freedom and the sacrifices made by their forefathers for the country’s creation.

Mr Gandapur underlined the need for national unity and said effective measures were being made for peace and development in the province.

He said that Independence Day was a powerful reminder of national unity, sacrifice and renewed commitment to collective progress.

The chief minister said that from the freedom movement to the present day, the sacrifices of Pakhtun nation had been written in golden letters in history.

He said concrete steps were being taken to provide education, healthcare and employment opportunities to the people in the province.

Mr Gandapur said that the youth were an asset, so his government was committed to providing them with the best opportunities to contribute to progress.

He demanded the release of PTI founder Imran Khan from jail.

The chief minister reaffirmed his government’s resolve to live up to the people’s expectations, saying people had placed their trust in the PTI, which would fulfill its commitments.

The ceremony began with the national anthem and the chief minister expressed his wishes for the country’s development.He also paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The chief minister also visited the martyrs’ memorial, laid a wreath and offered prayers.

As part of celebrations, a cake was also cut, while the chief minister planted a sapling as a symbolic step toward a greener Pakistan.National songs played by the police band filled the air with nationalistic fervour.

In Peshawar, the people from different walks of life held meetings, rallies and colourful functions and national flag hoisting ceremonies to celebrate the day.

Public departments and private organisations organised events to show love for the homeland, while the government and private buildings, including State Life building, Peshawar Press Club, cantonment railway station, Cantonment Board, markets and shops were beautifully decorated.

An Independence Day event was held at the Peshawar Sports Complex jointly by the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and KP Culture and Tourism Authority.

The participants included athletes, families and people from other walks of life.

Sports and youth affairs minister Syed Fakhar Jehan was the chief guest on the occasion, where Director General Sports Tashfeen Haider, Director Youth Affairs Dr Noman Mujahid, General Manager Culture and Tourism Authority Mohammad Ali Syed and other senior officials also showed up. The minister said Pakistan’s creation was the result of the great sacrifices of the nation’s forefathers.

He said the true essence of Independence Day was laid in honouring the leaders who devoted their lives to achieving freedom, and pledged to continue striving for the country’s progress, prosperity and true independence in line with the vision of Quaid-i-Azam.

The cantonment board celebrated the independence day by arranging a flag-hoisting and cake-cutting ceremony, a tree plantation drive and a free medical camp, and distribution of educational materials.It also announced a tree plantation campaign with support of students and volunteers and provided free shuttle service to the residents.

A ceremony was held at the CBP office where Deputy CEO Javeria Bano, Vice President of the CBP CPEIs’ faculty and other staff members were present.

The event began with a flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by the national anthem and a cake-cutting session.

Also, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s district chapter organised a motorcycle rally from Pir Zakori Bridge to Qila Balahisar. Participants held national and PTI flags.

A two-day Independence Day Tape Ball Day and Night Cricket Tournament was held at the Peshawar Gymkhana Cricket Ground.

The opening ceremony was attended by SP Faqirabad Division Arshad Khan, DSP Faqirabad Circle Umar Afridi and SHO Paharpura Ahmadullah Khan.

The district administration also arranged a rally on the occasion.

A car and motorcycle was held under the supervision of the deputy commissioner. It started from the DC Office Kacheri, proceeded via University Road and concluded at the start point.

The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a ceremony to mark the 78th Independence Day with national zeal.

Traders and people, especially children, flocked to the chamber premises to celebrate the day.National songs were played on a mega TV screen, charging participants, who shouted Long Live Pakistan slogans and paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for great efforts for peace.Speakers offered special prayers for unity, peace, prosperity and development of the country.

The Independence Day event was also held at the Peshawar Electric Supply Company’s head offices here.

All senior officers of Pesco attended the event,where the national anthem was played. Pesco chief operations Engineer Gul Nabi Syed hoisted the national flag, while the security team saluted it.

The Khyber Medical University Peshawar also organised a ceremony to commemorate the Independence Day whereVice Chancellor Prof Ziaul Haq and registrar Inamullah Khan Wazir, heads of various institutions, deans, faculty members, administrative officials and students were present.

Also, Independence Day was also celebrated with fervour across Hazara Division and cities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2025