LAHORE
The GPO Building decorated with lights in the colors of Pakistan’s national flag to commemorate the country’s 78th Independence Day, ‘Maarka e Haq’
LAHORE
Chairman Prime Minister Youth Program, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan addresses a special seminar on Independence Day at Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex
LAHORE
LAHORE
CDA workers decorating the green belt area with lights in the colors of Pakistan’s national flag in the federal capital to commemorate the country’s 78th Independence Day, ‘Maarka e Haq’
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
A man purchases balloons in the colors of Pakistan’s national flag from a roadside vendor in the federal capital to commemorate the country’s 78th Independence Day, ‘Maarka e Haq’
ISLAMABAD
Children select National flags from roadside stalls, brimming with excitement to celebrate Independence Day with full patriotic spirit
BAHAWALPUR
Schoolgirls perform on national songs at a function held at Government SD High School Bahawalpur to mark the Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day celebrations
BAHAWALPUR
BAHAWALPUR
BAHAWALPUR
An art student gives final touches to her portrait during an art competition as the nation prepares to celebrate 78th Independence Day
LAHORE
Iranian ambassador hails Pakistan’s resilience, unity on 78th Independence Day
By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, August 13 (APP): Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, has extended heartfelt greetings to the government and people of Pakistan on the nation’s 78th Independence Day, praising the country’s resilience, unity, and achievements.
He, in his congratulatory message, said, “On behalf of myself, the Government, and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I extend my warmest and sincere congratulations to the esteemed Government and the honourable nation of our friendly, neighbouring, and brotherly country, Pakistan.”
Paying tribute to the values of the Pakistani nation, he noted that August 14 marked a moment of pride, celebrating the country’s “indefatigable and extraordinary resilience, unity, and remarkable achievements.”
The envoy highlighted the deep-rooted bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation between Iran and Pakistan, stating that strong leadership on both sides and the collective efforts of all sectors had ushered in “a new era of hope and optimism” in bilateral relations, marking a “historic turning point” in all-round ties.
Reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the partnership, Dr. Moghadam expressed his wishes for Pakistan’s continued prosperity, stability, and progress, adding, “We wholeheartedly pray for the enduring friendship between our two great nations to grow ever stronger.”
Talal Chaudhry refutes ‘Overnight’ Masjid, Madrassa relocation claims
ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry Wednesday refuted claims that mosques or madrassas had been relocated overnight without consultation, stressing that the entire process was carried out over several months with full respect for religious sentiments.
Responding to a point raised by Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the National Assembly, he said recent remarks regarding the relocation of a mosque and madrassa did not reflect the facts shared earlier on the floor of the House and in meetings with religious scholars. He added that Maulana Ghafoor Haideri had also been briefed in detail during multiple meetings, including one held three days ago with scholars from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Talal Chaudhry stated that reports about the government planning to relocate 50 or 55 mosques were baseless and had been categorically denied both in the House and in meetings with the ulema. He said the specific relocation in question had been under consultation since January with the seminary’s administration, who selected the new location of their own choice.
He said a modern building for the madrassa, equipped with all necessary facilities, had been constructed at a cost of Rs 40 million and completed in July. In the last week of July, 185 students, along with their administrator and teachers, voluntarily shifted to the new premises, taking all valuable items — including doors, windows, and fans — with them.
The minister added that the old structure was demolished in the presence of religious scholars, ensuring that the sanctity of the madrassa and mosque was fully respected. The entire process, he stressed, had taken place over eight months and not overnight.
He reiterated that the government, from the Prime Minister down to the administration, respected religious matters, created ease for all sects and faiths, and acted strictly in line with the Constitution of Pakistan. He said further consultations were scheduled to ensure all stakeholders remained on board, and no action would be taken that could hurt public or religious sentiments. /APP-rzr-raz
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar addresses a seminar on “CPEC in My Eyes” at a local hotel
ISLAMABAD