Rawalpindi division marks Independence Day with fervour

Rawalpindi division marks Independence Day with fervour

RAWALPINDI: The 79th Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated across Rawalpindi Division with patriotic zeal, as citizens from different walks of life renewed their commitment to the country’s progress, peace and prosperity.

Government offices, educational institutions, hospitals and public organisations held flag-hoisting ceremonies and other activities. Officials, parliamentarians, students, teachers, lawyers, journalists, workers and civil society members took part in the celebrations.

At Benazir Bhutto Hospital, MNA Tahira Aurangzeb and Punjab Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Shazia Rizwan hoisted the national flag. Medical Superintendent Dr Sharjeel, doctors and hospital staff welcomed the guests and presented them with bouquets.

Rawalpindi Women University organised a ceremony featuring a Guard of Honour, flag hoisting, the national anthem, prayers and cake cutting. The university also launched its new anthem. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Tayyaba Zarif paid tribute to the sacrifices behind Pakistan’s creation and stressed the importance of education, discipline, character and responsible citizenship. She also highlighted women’s education as a key factor in the country’s development. Faculty members and students later planted trees as part of the celebrations.

The Suthra Punjab Agency Head Office also hosted an Independence Day ceremony attended by Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt, Rawalpindi Waste Management Company Board members Hafiz Abdullah Butt and Tanveer Akhtar Sheikh, MD Suthra Punjab Agency Rawalpindi Rana Sajid Safdar, officers and employees.

The main flag-hoisting ceremony for Rawalpindi District took place at a local hotel, where Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Salman Ghani and Deputy Commissioner Captain (Retd.) Nadeem Nasir hoisted the national flag. A Punjab Police contingent presented a Guard of Honour, while participants offered prayers for Pakistan’s security, stability and prosperity. Students performed national songs and expressed their patriotism.

At the Rawalpindi Arts Council, Punjab Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Rizwan led another flag-hoisting ceremony and urged citizens to play their role in the country’s development.

Independence Day events also took place at press clubs, political party offices and other public institutions across the city, reflecting the people’s shared resolve to build a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Attock also marked Independence Day with patriotic enthusiasm. On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Dr Mudassar Ahmed Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Municipal Services) Aneel Saeed attended a ceremony in Mehria Town, where he hoisted the national flag and cut a cake.

Aneel Saeed later visited District Jail Attock, distributed sweets among prisoners and inspected cleanliness, food and medical arrangements. He directed the jail administration to ensure prisoners received all basic facilities.

He also watched a kabaddi match organised for inmates and distributed prizes among the top-performing players. He said sports activities help promote positive thinking, discipline and healthy competition among prisoners.