Lahore: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman on Friday represented Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at an Independence Day ceremony held at Hazuri Bagh, where he paid homage at the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and attended a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Lahore Fort.
The finance minister laid a wreath and offered Fateha at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal. He later attended the flag-hoisting ceremony at Lahore Fort and offered special prayers at Badshahi Mosque for the security, stability, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
In his Independence Day message, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman congratulated the nation on the 79th Independence Anniversary and said Pakistan was not merely a piece of land but the result of the immense sacrifices made by the forefathers.
He said Pakistan had given its people much over the past 79 years and remained an integral part of their national identity.
The minister said strengthening Pakistan required collective efforts based on hard work, dedication, honesty and responsible conduct. ‘August 14 is not merely a day of celebration; it is also a day for self-accountability,’ he said, urging citizens to reflect on their contribution towards the country’s development.
He said Independence Day was an occasion to renew the pledge to safeguard freedom and work for Pakistan’s development and prosperity beyond political affiliations.
He urged the youth to acquire knowledge and utilise their education and skills for national service while contributing to the effective use and enhancement of the country’s resources.
The finance minister said people associated with every sector should perform their duties with honesty and responsibility, respect the law and play a positive role in maintaining peace and order. ‘Peace is a guarantee of prosperity, while aggression becomes the starting point of decline,’ he said.
Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the teachings of Allama Iqbal continued to serve as a guiding light for the nation.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs, saying the nation could never forget their invaluable contribution to the protection and freedom of the country.
He also paid homage to the leaders of the Pakistan Movement, elders and martyrs whose sacrifices contributed to the creation and protection of the country.
The minister prayed for Pakistan’s continued sovereignty and for peace, progress, prosperity and stability in the country.
