Educational institutions across the city celebrated the 70th Independence Day on Monday by arranging flag-hoisting ceremonies, walks, prayer sessions and seminars. Punjab University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zaffar Mueen Nasir has urged the nation to serve the country irrespective of personal interest as this is the way to make Pakistan Qauid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal's Pakistan. He was addressing the flag hoisting ceremony organized at Punjab University College of Art and Design. Deans, principals, directors, faculty members and a large number of students and children were present on the occasion.
Dr Zaffar Mueen Nasir said that the nations who thought only for their homelands made their place among the developed countries. He said that Allah has bestowed Pakistan with abundance of natural resources and it was a beautiful country. He said that we should make efforts to add to the beauty of our beloved country. He paid a rich tribute to the people who sacrificed their lives for the establishment of Pakistan. On the occasion, students presented national songs which created waves of patriotic passion among the participants and warmed their hearts.
Later, PU VC Dr Zaffar Mueen Nasir inaugurated newly-renovated Old Hall at College of Art and Design. A Mushaira was organized in connection with the Independence Day in the old hall in which renowned poets presented their poetry in connection with Independence Day celebrations. Government College (GC) University Lahore academia also celebrated the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan with the traditional zeal and zest, and prayed for peace and prosperity in the country.
Addressing a grand flag-hoisting ceremony at the university's historical Bukhari Auditorium, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Hassan Amir Shah laid stress on strengthening national institutions of the country, saying that Pakistan was the sixth largest country in the world by population, but unfortunately it was too far below in the list of countries in socioeconomic indicators.
He said that the country's 70 years journey had not been smooth and it was still facing multiple challenges on political, geographical, social and especially economic fronts. Professor Shah reiterated the commitment that the faculty members, staff and students of GC University Lahore should leave no stone unturned for development of our country in the realm of research and education.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr Sultan Shah said Pakistan had been created with immense sacrifices by their forefathers. Earlier, the Vice Chancellor along with academic heads hoisted the national flag in GCU Bukhari Auditorium while the entire GCU faculty and staff were in attendance. It was followed by presentation of mili nagmas by the GCU Nazir Ahmed Music Society.
While addressing the flag hoisting ceremony at University of Engineering and Technology Lahore Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Fazal Ahmad Khalid said, "Pakistan is our motherland and we should own it by performing our duties with sense of responsibility. It is matter of pride that in Muslim Ummah we are the only atomic power and have rich and diverse culture, climate and talent. It must be properly used for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan." Students from Sri Lanka, Yemen, Palestine and Egypt sang special National songs and showed their solidarity with Pakistani fellows. Deans, Faculty, Registrar, Security officer and Public Relations Officer with other staff and student were present at programme. University was fully decorated with flags, lights, flowers and other display item.
Vice chancellor Lahore College for Women University Professor Dr Uzma Qureshi announced to set up Pakistan Movement Gallery where rare pictures of Pakistan movement and its leadership will be displayed. She announced this while addressing flag hoisting ceremony in the campus. She said that it is significant to educate young generation about the history of Pakistan Movement.
She said that the independence that nation achieved 70 years ago was an outcome of the unparalleled sacrifices made by its ancestors. "Millions of Muslims rendered sacrifices for their future as well as for the future of their posterity," she added.
While addressing the flag hoisting ceremony Vice Chancellor University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Professor Dr Talat Naseer Pasha asked the students and teachers to work hard with honesty and dedication for the progress of the university and the country. He advised the students to act upon the sayings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allam Iqbal. He said that there are ample opportunities in livestock/agriculture sector in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and we should get maximum benefit from them.