Sharjeel for lighting, plantation campaign in August 14 celebrations

The Sindh government has intensified preparations for various events across the the province in connection with the Battle of Truth campaign and Independence Day on August 14.

A meeting was chaired in this regard by Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday. Provincial ministers, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, and other senior government officials attended the meeting.

The mayors of Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas and Shaheed Benazirabad joined the meeting via video link. Officials said the sole agenda of the meeting was the celebrations of August 14. Memon announced that Independence Day events would commence on August 1.

He asserted that the victory in the Operation Bunyanum Marsus should be incorporated in the celebrations. He said there should be a grand programme in every district. It was decided that the celebrations would feature colours through illumination and national songs. There would be an advisory on branding in shopping malls and national flags should be hoisted on government vehicles, public transport and prominent public places.

Additionally, a continuous tree plantation campaign should be launched, Memon said. He also proposed that the main event be held at the Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi.

Sindh Energy and Planning & Development Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah emphasised that the Independence Day celebrations should be dignified and impactful to promote the spirit of national unity and patriotism among the people. He added that the achievements made under Bunyanum Marsus were a shining example for the protection and development of the beloved homeland and must be prominently highlighted before the public.

He stressed that full public participation should be ensured in the celebrations, and the younger generation must be educated about the national history. He suggested organising special programmes, cultural exhibitions, seminars and torch relays as part of the national festivities.

Sindh Minister for Labour and Local Government Saeed Ghani emphasised that the celebrations should be carefully planned, taking into account the expected rains and the observance of Chehlum.

He suggested that messages from national heroes and prominent personalities be shared with the public, blood donation camps be organised, and a uniform dress code be implemented across all educational institutions.

Speaking at the meeting, the minister for sports and youth affairs, Muhammad Bakhsh Mehar, said that celebrations and narrative-building campaigns should begin immediately. He announced that there would be two-day sporting competitions covering cricket, hockey, badminton, volleyball, taekwondo and local sports like Kodi Kodi and Malakhara.

He informed the meeting that the Sindh government would organise a marathon in Karachi on August 10, whereas a cycle race would be organised on August 14. He said the marathon would be organised from Nishan Pakistan to Do Darya along the Karachi beach.

The sports minister stated that various sporting events like cricket, football, boxing, throw ball, athletics, badminton and taekwondo would be organised at 97 locations in 30 districts of Sindh. He added that separate events would be organised for special children, ensuring that the celebrations brought joy to every community.