LAHORE: Sixty thousand people broke the world record of waving national flag at the National Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif also took part in the world record and waived the national flag for more than seven minutes along with other participants. Ambassadors of 14 countries watched the event.
The chief minister also inaugurated the Punjab Youth Festival 2014.
Speaking on the occasion, he congratulated the nation on setting the world record, saying the youth festival was promoting a soft image of the country. He said participation of foreign diplomats in the festival was a proof that Pakistan had no relationship with extremism and its people believed in tolerance.
The chief minister was given a standing ovation when he reached the stadium. A display of fireworks was also arranged while the players also presented march past. An Indian contingent of players especially participated in the ceremony.
Punjab Minister for Education and Sports Rana Mashhood, members of the national and provincial assemblies and people from various walks of life were present.
Earlier, a 70-member sports contingent from Indian Punjab reached Lahore via Wagah to take part in the youth festival. Talking to reporters, Bhopinder Singh, head of the delegation, said his players could beat Pakistani players in all sports, however, their first priority was to win hearts of the people.
Mr Singh said the way his delegation was accorded a warm welcome had proved the hospitality of Pakistani Punjab. He said the medium of sports always promoted love and he expressed hope the visit would help the people of across the border to forget bitter memories.
Punjab Assembly member Madeeha Rana, who welcomed the Indian players, said that Pakistani Punjab had sent a kabaddi team to India last year and now they had come here. Madeeha further said that such kind of bilateral sports activities would help promote friendship between the two countries.
Sundeep Singh, a member of the Indian Punjab’s kabaddi team, said he was happy as it was his first visit to Pakistan. He also said the sports ties could prove vital to bring the two countries closer.
Anwar Rani, a member of the visiting women kabaddi team, said she was expecting a very tough competition against Pakistani rivals. The Indo-Pak Punjab Games will start from March 3.