Alamgiri Gate, Picture Wall illuminated to mark US Freedom 250 celebrations

LAHORE, Jul 05 (APP):A spell-binding light-show on the Alamgiri Gate and Picture Wall of the historic Lahore Fort, cultural performances and a cake-cutting ceremony marked the 250th Freedom celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America on July 4, 1776 by the US Consulate Lahore.

US Consul General to Lahore Stetson Sanders welcomed the Chief Guest Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb at the Hazoori Bagh where other dignitaries including Head of the Lahore office of the British High Commission Lahore Ben Wrrington, Turkiye Counsel General Lahore Durmus Bastug, honorary Consul General of Tunisia Mohammad Hameed, Director General Walled City of Lahore (WCLA) Najamussaqib Sheikh, Rector FCCU Dr. Jonnathan S. Addelton, business community representatives, youth leaders, journalists and renowned figures attended the 250 years of independence.

Alamgiri Gate, once entrance path of the Mughal emperors, of the historic Lahore Fort on Saturday night were illuminated through projection mapping of different facets in the history of the United States of America. The illumination show depicted different phases in the 250 year long history of the United States.

The other impressive part of the 250 Freedom ceremony was the cultural show in front of the Picture Wall, Lahore Fort – the largest Picture Wall in the world which has been restored through the American funding. Young artists from the Surtaal Music Academy performed National Anthems of Pakistan and the United States to the adulation of the audience.

In his note of thanks, US Consul General Stetson Sanders thanked the guests for joining the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary ceremony of the independence of the United States of America.

Sanders thanked the government of Punjab, the Walled City of Lahore Authority, and my friend, Najamussaqib Sheikh, the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan, for their leadership, technical expertise, and partnership in making this evening possible.

He said the evening honors the enduring values of freedom, democracy, and opportunity that continue to strengthen the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. He said the event at the Lahore Fort highlights the United States’ longstanding investment in globally significant cultural heritage, including $1.25 million to conserve eight historic monuments within the Fort.

Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb, speaking on the occasion, said she was immensely honored to join the Freedom 250 ceremony celebrating the United Satates Independence Day.

“On behalf of the Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, I extend our warmest congratulations to the people and the government of United States of America on the 250th Independence Day.

The Senior Minister Punjab said today, we celebrate not only the birth of a nation, but also the enduring values of freedom, democracy, opportunity, and resilience. These values continue to inspire people around the world. Pakistan and the United States share a relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity. Our partnership continues to grow in trade, diplomatic relations, investment, education, healthcare, technology, climate change, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.

“The relationship between United States and America in recent months, my friends, we’ve also seen once again the power of diplomacy and the power of friendship. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as my friend was just narrating the, the first event that was held in Islamabad, with the support and leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan played a constructive and a memorable role in bringing peace in the world”, Marriyum added.

DG WCLA Najamussaqib Sheikh also spoke on the occasion and acknowledged the long-standing US contribution in preserving the cultural heritage in the country.

The ceremony culminated with the cake-cutting ceremony to Mark Freedom 250 ceremony across the globe and celebrate the occasion.