Sukkur: The District Administration Sukkur organized a dignified ceremony to celebrate the 80th Independence Day of Pakistan at the Auditorium Hall of Sukkur IBA University here on Friday.
The ceremony was graced by Provincial Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah as chief guest. Others present included Commissioner Sukkur, Abid Saleem Qureshi, Mayor Sukkur and Spokesperson to Sindh Government Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh, Vice Chancellor Sukkur IBA University Prof. Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh, Deputy Commissioner Sukkur Nadir Shahzad Khan and SSP Sukkur Azhar Khan Mughal.
Elected representatives, officers of various government departments, teachers, parents and a large number of students from government and private schools attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said Pakistan is our identity and the professional and victorious role of the Pakistan Armed Forces has earned the country global recognition. He said the Armed Forces defeated a country that considered itself the superpower of the region in Ma’arka-e-Haq.
He said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave the nuclear program to the country while Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto provided the technology for its use. He added that Pakistan’s effective diplomatic role had helped avert escalation at a time when the world was moving towards a Third World War.
Lauding the district administration, he said Deputy Commissioner Sukkur has set a new tradition by honouring distinguished personalities of Sukkur who have rendered meritorious services.
Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Sukkur Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh extended heartfelt Independence Day greetings to the nation. He said Pakistan’s stature in the world has risen due to its positive and strong role, including its role as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict and its success in Ma’arka-e-Haq against a much larger adversary.
He stressed that real progress of Pakistan lies in education. “Politicians must prioritize public service and government officers must consider themselves public servants. Improvement in the system will lead to national progress,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner Sukkur Nadir Shahzad Khan, in his address, announced that 14,000 saplings will be planted in the district and a “Tree Plantation Week” is being launched from today across Sukkur. He said “Tokens of Appreciation” were being conferred upon the bright stars of Sukkur in recognition of their services in various fields. He also appreciated the speeches and tableau performances presented by children from Pakistan Sweet Home Sukkur and other government and private schools.
On the occasion, commendation certificates and shields were distributed among distinguished personalities by the Provincial Minister and other dignitaries. The recipients included Prof. Ghulam Hussain Manganhar for Education, Adal Soomro for Literature, Waseem Shamsi for Journalism, Abdul Sattar Siyal for Artwork, Faraz Sarwar as Young Artist, Yusuf Awan for Bodybuilding, Shahid Rajput as Best Polio Worker and Nizakat Ali as a bright student.
Vice Chancellor Sukkur IBA University Prof. Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh and Director Secondary Education Sukkur Shahabuddin Indhar also addressed the ceremony.
Among others, Director Information Ghulam Abbas Goraho and Director Pakistan Sweet Home Sukkur Shabbir Memon were also present.
