Pakistan Day was celebrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata on Wednesday with zeal and fervour. The day dawned with a 21-gun salute in the provincial capital with stringent security measures in place. Different political parties, traders and religious groups held meetings, processions, seminars and rallies in the provincial metropolis to celebrate the day. Workers of Jamaat-ud-Dawa took out a rally.
The rally was led by JuD leaders Haji Muhammad Iqbal, Haji Muhammad Omar, Ghazi Inamullah and Sadaqat Hussain. The participants were holding flags, banners, and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of Islam and Pakistan. Later, they gathered outside Peshawar Press Club.
Similarly, the workers of Pasban also took out a rally from Ghanta Ghar to Sadder, Peshawar, which was led by provincial leaders of the party including Chandi Wala and Azam Minhas. The participants viewed that it was a day of commitment that no one would be allowed to harm the country and they would take a unified stand for restoration of peace.
The speakers said that a conspiracy was being hatched to make Pakistan a secular state. They said that unity and solidarity were indispensable to completely eradicate terrorism and bring normalcy in the country. Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam, traders, and non-governmental organisations also held functions and rallies. Workers of Nazria-e-Pakistan also staged a rally in the provincial capital.
In Fata, Pakistan Day was also celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in different parts of the Mohmand region with a commitment that tribesmen would continue their struggle for peace in the area. Special prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and solidarity of the motherland. Political Agent Mohmand Agency Mahmood Aslam Wazir hoisted a national flag at a formal ceremony at the Agency's Headquarters Ghallanai. The PA and Commandant Mohmand Rifles Colonel Hafiz Asif Iqbal also a gathering at Ghallanai Sports Complex, which was attended by a large number of tribesmen and students.
MNA Malik Bilal Rehman, Lieutenant Colonel Umair, APA Ghalanai Haseeb-Ur-Rehman, APA Baizai Abdullah Shah, APA Ekkaghund Naved Akbar and officials of all line departments were also present. Speaking on the occasion, the Political Agent said that today's mega sports event was a proof that the tribesmen were brave and peace-loving people. "There is peace in Mohmand agency and the people want development here," he added. Colonel Hafiz Asif Iqbal said that Pakistan came into being due to sacrifices rendered by people of the sub-continent. "Due to their struggle, today we are breathing in a free state and we are proud on their sacrifices," he added.