Faisalabad: The spirit of independence resonated across Faisalabad on Friday as the citizens from all walks of life renewed their pledge to make every sacrifice for Pakistan’s progress, prosperity and sovereignty while the national flag was unfurled amid stirring patriotic scenes at the central Independence Day ceremony held at Commissioner’s Complex.
The ceremony began with the sounding of sirens at 7:58 a.m., followed by the national anthem and flag-hoisting by Divisional Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh whereas Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sohail Akhtar Sukhera, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Nauman Siddiq, Members of National Assembly (MNA) Raja Daniyal, Bilal Badr Chaudhry, MPA Mian Tahir Jameel and Uzma Raja, Punjab Ombudsperson for Women Dr Najma Afzal, Hajji Akram Ansari and other political and community leaders were also present on the occasion.
A smart contingent of Punjab Police presented the guard of honor while a colorful march-past by vehicles and teams representing Civil Defense volunteers, Boy Scouts, PERA Force, Motorbike Rescue 1122, Suthra Punjab, Parks and Horticulture Agency (PHA), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Municipal Corporation, Environmental Protection Agency and other public service departments added further grandeur to the celebrations.
The students presented vibrant national tableaux portraying the spirit of patriotism and national unity, captivating the audience and giving the ceremony a distinctly youthful character.
A large number of senior citizens, women, men, children, religious scholars, traders, government officers and people from different walks of life participated in the ceremony. Many of them were carrying national flags and expressing their love for Pakistan and commitment to its unity.
Addressing the gathering, Divisional Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh set tone of the ceremony by opening his remarks with the patriotic verse, ‘Ragon mein hai, junoon mein hai-watan ka ishq mere khoon mein hai’, and said that Independence Day was an occasion not merely for celebration but for renewing the resolve to contribute individually and collectively to national development.
He extended Independence Day greetings to the people of Faisalabad division and emphasized that the country’s progress required every citizen to play his due role with dedication, responsibility and sincerity.
Other speakers also highlighted the significance of independence and collective responsibility of citizens in steering Pakistan towards great development and prosperity.
They paid tribute to the sacrifices rendered by the founder of Pakistan and those who struggled for the creation and security of the country. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and strong Pakistan.
Later, a cake was cut to celebrate 80th Independence Day, followed by the joint plantation of a sapling as a symbolic pledge to contribute to a greener and more prosperous Pakistan.
Special prayers were also offered for security, stability, progress and prosperity of the country.
The celebrations reflected a powerful display of national unity, patriotism and collective commitment, with the national flag serving as a common symbol of pride and hope for a brighter future.
Later, Divisional Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh accompanied by MPA Mian Tahir Jameel visited Allied Hospital-II and hoisted the national flag there.
They visited hospital wards, distributed sweets among patients undergoing treatment and prayed for their early recovery.
The divisional commissioner also distributed certificates of appreciation among medical and healthcare staff in recognition of their services and dedication to provide healthcare to patients.
