Independence Day
Pakistan celebrated its 61th Independence Day with national flag hoisting ceremonies, all over Pakistan, in a colourful manner. The provincial metropolis, centre of activity during the independence week, was crowded with people from all walks of life.
The Independence Day commenced in the provincial capital with a 21-gun salute and offering of special prayers for the solidarity, integrity, progress and prosperity of the homeland in all central mosques. A large number of people turned up to join together to offer Fajr prayers.
Provincial Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag at the Jahangiri Gate of the historic fort, Provincial Assembly Speaker, Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan at the Assembly Chambers and Chief Justice of Lahore High Court, Justice Sayed Zahid Hussain at the High Court Building. There were, as a matter of fact, countless flag hoisting ceremonies all over. National anthem was rendered at the occasion.
Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, accompanied by District Nazim, Mian Aamer Mahmud and others, later visited the
mausoleum of the great philosopher and poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. They placed a wreath and offered ‘fateha’ for the departed who had presented the concept of a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia which was turned into a reality by the Muslims under the inspiring leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam.
The Chief Minister was also present and appreciated rendering of the national anthem as well as milli taranaae by large number of colourfully clad school girls and boys.
Throughout the day, rallies, meetings and seminars were held by political, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions to celebrate the Independence Day in a befitting and joyous manner. Cake cutting ceremonies also took place at several places.
Exhibitions
Films and Publications Directorate of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organised colourful celebrations in connection with the Independence Day which continued for three days at different venues.
Exhibition of rare photographs of the Quaid and other leaders of the Pakistan Movement was held under the title of ‘Hamara Watan, Hamara Quaid’ at the Alhamra Art Gallery. After a two-day display at the Alhamra Art Gallery, the photography exhibition was moved to the Aiwan-e-Iqbal where it was held in collaboration with the Iqbal Academy of Pakistan. Mah-e-Nau, the Directorate’s literary journal’s special issue about Faiz Ahmad Faiz - the poet - was also launched. Progressive writer, intellectual and columnist Hameed Akhtar along with I.A. Rahman, senior journalist and Director of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan were the chief guests at the occasion. Director of the Films and Publications Directorate, Sajida Iqbal Syed was also present. Both, Hameed Akhtar and I.A. Rahman are well known associates and colleagues of Faiz Ahmad Faiz.
Seminar Scene
Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society of the Jang Group of Newspapers organised an illuminative seminar on two great literary luminaries namely Maulana Rumi and Allama Muhammad Iqbal under the title “Iqbal Ka Momin Aur Rumi Ka Faqeer” at a local hotel.
Provincial Ministers, Haji Ehsanuddin Qureshi and Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rahman were the chief guests. Other speakers who expressed their views on the occasion included Dr. Syed Muhammad Akram Shah, Dr. Rafiuddin Hashmi, Suhail Umar, Dr. Salim Akhtar, and Dr. Mumtaz Hassan. Artist and compere, Shujaat Hashmi conducted the proceedings with Wasif Nagi, Chairman Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society. The national seminar was held in memory of Hazrat Yaqoob Ali Shah and the turnout was appreciative.
Public Opinion
In view of the public’s deep interest and concern regarding former president Pervez Musharraf, Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society of the Jang Group of Newspapers organised national seminars simultaneously in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Multan on “Sadar Ka Muakhaza” (Impeachment of the President). Political and religious leaders as well as eminent people from different walks of life addressed these national seminars held quite appropriately on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day.
In Lahore itself, the seminar was addressed by Qazi Hussain Ahmad, Ghulam Mustafa Khar, Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, Khwaja Saad Rafiq, Uzma Bokhari, Maira Hameed, Ch Zaka Ashraf, Manzur Qadir advocate, Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer, Hafiz Abdul Wahab Ropari and Haider Ali representing different political 
and religious parties and schools of thought.n
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