Dera ismail khan: Independence Day was celebrated with national spirit and enthusiasm across the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with ceremonies, flag-hoisting events, sports activities and other programmes held to highlight the significance of the day and reaffirm commitment to the country’s peace, stability and progress.
In Dera Ismail Khan, a central ceremony was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in the presence of Commissioner Daud Khan, Regional Police Officer Ghulam Mubashir Maken, Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah Khan, District Police Officer Ziauddin Ahmed, heads and representatives of government departments, civil society members and students.
The ceremony began with the hoisting of the national flag and the national anthem, followed by a minute’s silence in memory of the country’s martyrs and national heroes. Students presented speeches, national songs and tableaus, while a special prayer was offered for the security, stability and prosperity of Pakistan.
A separate ceremony was held at Ejaz Shaheed Police Lines, where RPO Ghulam Mubashir Maken paid homage to police martyrs at the Martyrs’ Memorial, laid a floral wreath and offered prayers. He later hoisted the national flag as a smartly turned-out police contingent presented a salute.
Speaking on the occasion, the RPO said Independence Day was a reminder of the sacrifices made for the creation of Pakistan. He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police had rendered unparalleled sacrifices for peace and would continue to protect the lives and property of citizens. He urged police personnel to perform their duties honestly and professionally, uphold the rule of law and treat citizens courteously.
The Regional Sports Office also organised a series of sporting activities to mark the occasion, including a flag-hoisting ceremony and a district-level hockey tournament at Ratta Kulachi Sports Complex. Teams from different districts participated in the tournament, with Dera Ismail Khan defeating Bhakkar with 4-1 goals in the final match to clinch the title.
Administrator Syed Shoaib Imran distributed trophies and cash prizes among the winning and runner-up teams.
At the University of Agriculture Dera Ismail Khan, Registrar Abdul Basit Khan hoisted the national flag, followed by the national anthem and a salute by the university security contingent.
Addressing the gathering, he said freedom was a great blessing and called upon the youth to contribute to national development through education, research and hard work. The ceremony concluded with cake-cutting and prayers for the country’s security and prosperity.
In Tank, the main Independence Day ceremony was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Jamshed Khan and attended by DPO Abdul Samad Khan, government officials, tribal elders, students and citizens. The event featured flag-hoisting, the national anthem, a police salute and prayers for the country’s progress and prosperity.
A tree plantation drive was also held as part of the celebrations, during which senior officials planted saplings. The deputy commissioner distributed cash prizes among police personnel for their impressive performance, while the celebrations concluded with an Independence Day walk led by the deputy commissioner and DPO.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 Dera Ismail Khan deployed specialised diving teams at temporary water rescue points along the Indus River in Dera Ismail Khan to ensure the safety of citizens visiting picnic and recreational spots. The teams conducted patrols and remained on standby to respond to water-related emergencies, while rescue officials advised visitors to avoid deep water and observe necessary safety precautions.
Across the southern districts, government offices, police stations and public buildings were decorated with national flags, while officials, students, police personnel and citizens participated in various activities, reflecting a shared spirit of patriotism, national unity and commitment to Pakistan’s security, peace and development.
