Lahore: A ceremony was held at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) Department on Friday to mark Pakistan’s 80th Independence Day, on the direction of Information and Culture Minister Azma Bukhari.
Director General Sheikh Farid Ahmed was the chief guest at the ceremony, which was attended by officers and employees of the department. He also hoisted the national flag on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Farid Ahmed congratulated the nation on the 80th Independence Day, saying Pakistan was the result of the exemplary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the countless sacrifices rendered by the nation’s forefathers.
He said the people had endured immense hardships during the struggle for independence, including the arduous journey of migration.
“Pakistan is not merely a piece of land; it represents our dreams, hopes and the future of our coming generations,” he said, adding that the country had given its people a unique identity and a distinct place in the world – a matter of pride for every citizen.
He noted that Pakistan was now a nuclear power and held an important and dignified position in the Muslim world.
Sheikh Farid Ahmed said freedom was a great blessing from Allah Almighty, and that safeguarding it was the collective responsibility of every citizen.
He said the DGPR Department was playing an important role in maintaining effective communication between the government and the public by providing accurate information and projecting a positive national image, adding that responsible communication was essential for strengthening public trust and promoting national unity.
He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to performing its duties with responsibility, integrity, hard work and sincerity. “It is our collective responsibility to make Pakistan a model of humanity, tolerance, prosperity and good governance,” he added.
Farid Ahmed also lauded the measures being taken for public welfare, balanced development and improved governance under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Paying tribute to the armed forces,Sheikh Farid Ahmed praised the soldiers guarding the country’s borders day and night, saying the martyrs had safeguarded the country’s freedom, defence and security with their blood.
“The role of the armed forces in defending the country and protecting its security has always been a matter of great pride and respect,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a special prayer for the security, welfare, prosperity, and progress of Pakistan.
