Culture
Rallies, flag hoisting, cultural festivities mark Independence Day in twin cities
By Bilal Ahmed •
Published on August 15, 2025
In Rawalpindi, the day began with special prayers in mosques, churches, and other places of worship for the country’s stability. The residents of Garrison City celebrated Independence Day with traditional fervour and rallies, seminars and functions of flag hoisting and cake cutting.
Residents thronged stalls selling national flags, badges, ribbons, masks, and bandanas. Streets, vehicles, buildings, and markets were decorated with flags, buntings, and electriclights, while many wore green-and-white attire.
In the evening, families turn out in large numbers to parks and public places. Fireworks lit up Liaquat Bagh, which was organised by the district administration Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Rawalpindi. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held in government departments and by local associations.
Leaders, youth vow to safeguard country’s sovereignty
The main ceremony took place at Government Viqarun Nisa Post Graduate College, attended by MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, Commissioner Aamir Khattak, and Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema.The chief guest at the ceremony, PML-N leader and MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, expressed that citizens should play a constructive role in the country’s development. “Our forefathers made a historic struggle for freedom under the zealous leadership of Quaid-i-Azam. It is the reward of this struggle and endless sacrifices that we are free today,” she added.
Recalling the sacrifices of the freedom movement. “Freedom was not given on a plate, but earned by bearing hardships and sacrificing lives,” she stated, stressing that the youth are the nation’s greatest asset.
Commissioner Khattak said respecting the national flag is a collective duty, while DC Cheema noted that August 14 is a day to renew the pledge to strengthen the country.
Separately, at the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi, Chairman Muhammad Adnan Khan hoisted the flag and prayed for the nation’s prosperity.
Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University marked the day with a plantation drive, cake cutting, and flag-hoisting. Vice Chancellor Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman said the occasion honours the nation’s enduring struggle and resilience, and called for contributions toward Pakistan’s progress.
The Punjab Council of the Arts (PUCAR), in collaboration with APPSMA, organised a vibrant ceremony with national songs, speeches, and a tableau competition under the theme “Marka-i-Haq”. MPA Shazia Rizwan was the chief guest and distributed prizes among winners.
Islamabad celebrations
Speaking at a ceremony at Lok Virsa to mark the occasion and Marka-i-Haq, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, said Independence Day not only reminds us of the value of freedom and the sacrifices made to achieve it but also renews our pledge to safeguard the country’s identity.
“Protecting independence is impossible without sacrifice and unity, and the entire nation stands like a wall for the defence of the motherland,” he said.The minister visited a photo exhibition and cultural programmes dedicated to Marka-e-Haq and lauded efforts to showcase Pakistan’s history. He emphasised that our culture is rooted in thousands of years of history and is a vital part of our identity. Furthermore, Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar, Secretary National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gillani, and Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr Waqas were also present on this occasion.
Participants paid tribute to martyrs of Pakistan-India conflicts, reaffirmed their commitment to national unity, and vowed to thwart hostile designs against the country.
Cultural showcase at PNCA
Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), in collaboration with the Pakistan Cultural Forum and the Directorate of Ideology, Pakistan, hosted a grand event featuring musical performances, tableaux, and cultural presentations.
Renowned artists, including the Hariz Bazmi Group, Raasta Band, Raheel Mustafa, Liya Faras, Humaira Younis, and the Khushak Group, showcased the country’s cultural diversity.
MNA Farah Naz, addressing the gathering, praised the arts for uniting the nation and paid tribute to the armed forces. “Pakistan and freedom are blessings from Almighty Allah, for which we offer gratitude with every breath. Our armed forces have not only defended our borders but also elevated Pakistan’s honour across the world,” she said.
PNCA programme concluded with a cake cutting and a photo session attended by dignitaries, artists, and guests, leaving the audience inspired by the display of national pride.
Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2025