Pakistan Day observed in Lahore with traditional zeal

LAHORE, Mar 23 (APP):Like other parts of the country, the Pakistan Day was observed in the provincial capital on Friday with a renewed pledge to transform the country into Islamic welfare state as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Jinnah.
The day dawned with 21 gun salutes in the provincial capital. Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr for the progress, prosperity and solidarity of the country.
An impressive change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal where a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) assumed ceremonial guard duties. Air Cdre Syed Sabahat Hassan laid a floral wreath on the grave of great philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal and offered Fateha.
An impressive flag lowering ceremony was held at Wagah Border. People from all walks of life visited the Wagah border to witness the ceremony.
Special programmes and seminars were organised by different organisations to mark the day in the provincial capital.
Several buildings including Railway station, Wapda House and Provincial Assembly building were decorated with lights and colourful buntings.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) organised a function in the party’s office.
Federal Commerce and Textile Minister Pervaiz Malik, Provincial Minister for Primary & Secondary Healthcare, Punjab Masstransit Authority chief, Mehar Ishtiaq, Zikriya Butt and former MPA, Akhtar Rasool attended the ceremony.
Nazria Pakistan Trust (NPT) organised a seminar in connection with the Resolution Day of Pakistan where speakers paid glowing tributes to the heroes of Pakistan Movement.
Youth Forum for Kashmir held a seminar titled “Kashmir Bane Ga Pakistan” at its Ichhra Secretariat while Islami JamiatTulba, Lahore held an Istehkam e Pakistan rally from Bhekhey Wal Morh to PGM Chowk. Hundreds of students and JI workers who were carrying national flags and banners attended the rally.
A national flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Chamber’s President Malik Tahir Javed unfurled the flag.
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements were made to avoid any untoward incident on the Pakistan Day.
Besides district police, the special branch, Elite Force, and the Dolphin Force personnel performed their security duties.
In the night, a glorious display of fireworks was held at Minar-e-Pakistan Lahore.