Lahore: Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi on Friday said Independence Day was a day to renew the pledge of loyalty to Pakistan and called upon citizens to play their role in ensuring the country’s development, prosperity and peaceful future.
He expressed these views while addressing the 80th Independence Day ceremony held at the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB), where he hoisted the national flag along with CPWB Chairperson Sara Ahmed and children, and also cut an Independence Day cake.
Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said all Pakistanis were being felicitated on Independence Day and stressed that collective efforts were needed to safeguard the future of the country. ‘The soil of our homeland is fertile and we have to collectively safeguard its future,’ he said, adding that when these children blossomed into flowers, their fragrance would spread everywhere.
He said the government was working round the clock for the protection of lives and property, adding that the armed forces, Rangers and police were making sacrifices for the defence and security of the country.
The Home secretary urged citizens to follow the guidelines issued by the Home Department for peaceful Independence Day celebrations. He said the celebrations should be held in a peaceful and civilized manner and there was zero tolerance for one-wheeling and hooliganism.
He directed security personnel deployed at Independence Day events to remain on duty until the conclusion of the ceremonies and the peaceful return of participants.
Speaking on the occasion, CPWB chairperson said Independence Day was a day to remember the sacrifices rendered for the creation of Pakistan.
She said the Bureau had so far rescued and provided shelter to more than 80,000 children, while more than 10,000 children were rescued every year.
The children present at the bureau enthusiastically waved national flags and expressed their love for the country. They presented national songs, speeches and special poetry as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
The ceremony was attended by Director General Child Protection Bureau Rao Nadeem Akhtar, FPCCI Vice President Zaki Ejaz, President Rotary Club Lahore and other officers, besides a large number of children.
