LAHORE: Preparations to celebrate Independence Day of Pakistan on August 14 in a befitting manner were in full swing in the provincial capital. Various Punjab government departments remain engaged in giving practical shape to the functions that would be organised on the occasion. Parliamentary Secretary on Information and member of the Steering Committee on Independence Day Preparations Rana Muhammad Arshad said that speech and written contests, sports events and seminars would be held at union council, tehsil, district and provincial levels to highlight the importance of the day. He said that August 14 was the most prestigious day in the history of Pakistan. On the day, the entire nation pays homage to the leaders and Pakistan Movement workers, who rendered innumerable sacrifices for freedom. He said functions including national anthem, national flag hoisting, competitions of paintings, national songs and poetry at different cities would be held where heroes of Pakistan Movement would be paid glowing tributes. He said that the district administrations had been directed to prepare their own floats showing love for the heroes of independence. “Special functions would be arranged at public libraries to encourage book reading,” Rana Arshad added. The parliamentary secretary mentioned that floats being prepared at district and divisional levels would be ready for exhibition till August 4. Meanwhile, an exhibition of rare photos of Pakistan Movement would be organised at the libraries across the province.