The 68th National Independence Day dawned in the metropolis with 21-gun salute followed by special prayers and impressive flag hoisting and change of guards ceremonies at the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam. While the mausoleum remained the centre of attraction for people in general numerous other institutions and organisation, both in public and private sectors, had also arranged special programs to commemorate the event.
Participants of these events paid glowing tribute to the leaders of the independence movement and also recalled those unsung heroes, including men, women and children, who lost their lives in creation process of the country. Special ceremony was held at Karachi University during which the Vice Chancellor, Dr Mohammad Qaiser cut a special cake and urged the people of the country to make concerted efforts for elimination of corruption from the country.
Dr Qaiser also took strong exception to the divide between have and have nots in the country causing resentment among a large population. Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Engr Mohammad Adil Usman addressing the Independence Day celebration said freedom is a state of mind and it is actually the educated population that can enjoy freedom.
"It is true that in an independent state people are free to chose their actions but not the consequences," he said reiterating that an educated person is more careful in taking stock of possible reaction of his or her action. "Nation demands freedom and freedom demands responsibility," said the SSUET VC mentioning that freedom is the will to be responsible to ourselves. On the occasion he underscored the need to translate Quaid-e-Azam's motto of unity, faith and discipline into reality.
Students of the university who largely attended the flag hoisting ceremony raised Pakistan Zindabad slogan and waved national flag. They were also joined by Aligarians making the ceremony all the more exciting. Students enthralled the guests with national and motivational songs. Noted Naat Khawan, Mahmood ul Hasan Ashrafi prayed for the progress, stability, solidarity and prosperity of the country. Professor Dr Mohammad Afzal Haq, Vice Chancellor, NED University of Engineering and Technology hoisted national flag in an impressive ceremony, attended in large numbers by the university students and registrar, faculty members and administrative staff of the university.
NED University of Engineering and Technology is already in process of celebrating independence 2014 week with series of events arranged for the students. The events included sports related competitions, quiz contest and so-forth. Professor Dr Zafar Iqbal, Vice Chancellor of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology in a ceremony to mark the occasion said citizens of the country need to realise their responsibility towards the country. He urged the students to develop a culture of self accountability and make efforts in their individual capacity to promote merit as the criterion for progress and development.