Educational institutions in the city celebrated the Independence Day with zeal and fervour. Vice-chancellors of various universities and principals of colleges and schools urged students to work for the country's betterment, as envisioned by Allama Iqbal and Qauid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
A large number of students wore green dresses and sang national songs to celebrate the day in their respective educational institutions. Educational institutions held flag-hoisting ceremonies in which various celebrities and high-ranking officials were invited as chief guests. Students participated in national song competitions, patriotic stage plays, debates and other activities.
Addressing the flag hoisting ceremony, Punjab University's Vice-Chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran said that Pakistanis should value the blessing of independence, otherwise, Muslims of the Subcontinent could be lost in the darkness. Dr Kamran said that the British destroyed the future of "our literate young Muslims by declaring English language as the official language, depriving young Muslims of good government jobs". He said that after 1857 Independence War, the British prime minister issued instructions that historical buildings and architecture of the Muslims must be razed to the ground. He said: "We can now move around the country independently. Our only issue is that our rulers have not paid heed to education and creation of new knowledge."
Addressing the flag hoisting ceremony at the Government College University, Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Khaleequr Rahman stressed on the need for strengthening educational institutions, saying that quality education was crucial for economic and social development. "Quality education ensures national harmony, social tolerance and economic development," the Vice-Chancellor said.
Professor Khaleeq said Allama Muhammad Iqbal's philosophy and Quaid-i-Azam's life served as beacons of light for the Muslim youth in the contemporary world and students should seek guidance from them. He also paid glowing tribute to martyrs, workers and leaders of the Pakistan Movement whose sacrifices paved the way for independence. He proudly said that the Pakistan was envisioned by an illustrious Ravian student and teacher, Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal. "The glorious tradition nurtured by Allama Iqbal has been aptly upheld by the successive generations of Ravians," he said.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor along with other faculty heads hoisted the national flag at the GCU Bukhari Auditorium while the entire GCU faculty and staff including Professor Dr IKramul Haq, Professor Ashraf Shabbir Bukhari, Professor Hassan A Shah, Professor Islam Ullah Khan, Abdul Waheed and Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt were in attendance. It was followed by broadcast of national anthem.
Vice-Chancellor of Lahore College For Women University (LCWU) Sabiha Mansoor stated that freedom was a great blessing and it was incumbent upon every Pakistani citizen to carry out his or her individual and collective responsibilities justly and honestly in his or her respective field.