PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has urged the people to celebrate Independence Day by planting trees and renew commitment to hard work as a symbol of patriotism.
Speaking as the chief guest at an Independence Day ceremony arranged at the China Window - Chinese Cultural Centre, here on Tuesday, he urged citizens to not only hoist the national flag but also to plant a tree in celebration of this auspicious day.
He stressed that true love for the country was demonstrated through hard work and dedication, which are the sources of national pride and progress. “Our love for the country demands a spirit of hard work,” said Gandapur.
“The more we work with dedication, the more we contribute to making our country’s name shine on the global stage. Patriotism ups this drive; it’s not just about the opportunities we have, but about the effort and struggle we put in to move forward,” he added.
The chief minister highlighted the role of young achievers, such as Arshad Nadeem, in setting an example for others by winning a gold medal in Paris Olympics, showing that hard work and perseverance always lead to success.
He called upon the public to plant saplings and nurture them, emphasizing that fruitful plants benefit people with their produce, shady trees provide comfort, and all trees contribute to the country’s environmental health by producing oxygen.
Reflecting on international development, Gandapur pointed to China’s remarkable progress as an example for the youth of Pakistan to emulate.He proposed the establishment of a China centre in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to educate young Pakistanis about China’s historical background and development trajectory, offering land for this initiative and conveying this message to the Chinese ambassador.
During his visit to the China Window, the chief minister visited the Chinese cultural galleries and recorded his thoughts in the visitor’s book.The Administrator of China Window Amjad Aziz Malik provided a briefing on the historical significance and key aspects of the centre.The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Peshawar Press Club’s President Arshad Aziz Malik, other senior journalists, and literary personalities.