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Security concerns: Independence Day celebrated indoors in Peshawar

By Zakir Hassnain

PESHAWAR: Security concerns, military operations in tribal areas and electricity outages marred the 61st Independence Day celebrations on Thursday in the provincial capital, other parts of the province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

There was not as much enthusiasm at the ceremonies held at various places as it was in the past years due to public unrest and the existing law and order situation. All ceremonies, usually held at public places, were held indoors and were well guarded to escape any terrorist attack.

Most Peshawar residents remained indoors for fear of possible suicide bomb blasts. Traffic was thin and the city was devoid of hustle and bustle of flag-waving young boys riding motorbikes with pressure horns.

Electricity outages also had a great effect on the Independence celebrations. Most plazas, commercial buildings and houses had no lighting.

The day dawned with 21-gun salute in the provincial capital where special prayers were offered at all mosques for peace, prosperity and solidarity of the country.

The main flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Police Lines where Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti was the chief guest. Senior Ministers Bashir Ahmed Bilour, Rahim Dad Khan, District Nazim Haji Ghulam Ali, town nazims and a large number of guests attended the ceremony.

In his address at the ceremony, Hoti said his coalition government wanted supremacy of the parliament and democracy. He said Pakhtuns proved on February 18, polling day, that they were peace-loving people. The chief minister said a development network was being laid in tribal areas affected by militancy.

Hoti said provincial autonomy was the need of hour. “We want our rights and control over our own resources,” he said.

Officers, junior commissioned officers and jawans of the army attended a colorful and prestigious flag-hoisting ceremony at the Corps Headquarters. Brigadier Aamer Riaz, chief of staff Peshawar Corps, hoisted the flag.

Pakistan army along with political administration, tribal elders, ulema and ex-servicemen arranged functions and programmes in FATA to celebrate the Independence Day.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) arranged Quran Khwani at its secretariat and offered dua for the integrity and solidarity of the country.

The PML-N women wing cut a cake to celebrate the Independence Day. As part of Independence Day celebrations, District Nazim Haji Ghulam Ali distributed food among prisoners at Central Jail and announced provision of 50 fans and two TV sets on behalf of the district government.

The district nazim also participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony at Ghanta Ghar besides distributing gifts among patients in city’s major hospitals.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies were also held at Archives and Pearl Continental Hotel.

The Independence Day was also celebrated in Hangu district and Orakzai Agency. The main ceremony was held at the DCO office where the district nazim hoisted the flag and the participants offered dua for the integrity and solidarity of the country.

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