Several events arranged amid tight security
PESHAWAR: An unprecedented hustle and bustle was witnessed in the provincial capital Sunday as a number of events were arranged to mark the Independence Day.
Heavy contingents of police were deployed during the official functions as well as public places to maintain law and order. The entry points to the provincial capital were strengthened with additional deployments and search operations ahead of August 14.
The day dawned with 21-gun salute and Quran Khwani at mosques. In the University of Peshawar campus Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Muhammad Rasul Jan hoisted the national flag which was followed by police parade.
A book exhibition was organised at the Central Library in collaboration with Pakistan Study Centre which is headed by Professor Dr Fakhrul Islam. A photo exhibition was arranged at the Archaeology Museum Hall.
A ceremony was also held at University of Engineering and Technology. UET Vice-Chancellor Peshawar Prof Dr Iftikhar Hussain hoisted the national flag, followed by national anthem and special prayers for the country. The day was marked at the historic Islamia College Peshawar which is the custodian of one-thirds of the estate of the Founder of Pakistan. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Habib Ahmad was the chief guest. Member National Assembly Musarrat Ahmadzeb, Pashto writer and poet Zaitoon Bano, and a former registrar of the University of Peshawar, Iftikhar Hussain Khan were the guests of honour. Urdu and Hindko language poet, Aziz Ijaz recited poetry. Senior poet, Abasin Yousafzai was the stage secretary.
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University celebrated the day. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana hoisted the national flag. The staff, faculty and students also paid tribute to the legendry social worker Abdul Sattar Edhi.
A literary, cultural and social welfare organisation, Gandhara Hindko Board, arranged a colourful function at the Gandhara Hindko Academy. People from various walks of life, especially women and children, attended the programme.
Dr Salahuddin, conducted the proceedings; lyricist, Syed Saeed Gillani, presided over while Sajjad Babar Sheen Shaukat were the guests of honour. Muhammad Ziauddin, an eminent Hindko writer, poet, research scholar and General Secretary of the Gandhara Hindko Board, said Pakistan was achieved after a long and sustained struggle waged by our elders. The literatus also talked about efforts being made for the preservation and promotion of the Hindko language. He said the dream the Hindko Academy had been realized. “ The academy, set up last year, has published 50 Hindko books so far and is bringing out nine regular publications which is no small achievement,” he elaborated, hoping a Hindko TV channel and FM Radio would be on the ground one day.
The poets recited Hindko poems on the occasion. The social media famed, “Peshawari Vines” team presented skits. There was a quiz competition among the children, facilitated by research officer, Hina Tahir.
The Jamaat-e-Islami brought out a rally on the Charsadda Road. The party provincial chief Mushtaq Ahmad led the rally, which emerged from the Auqaf Hall. The participants were carrying Pakistani and JI flags. The banners were inscribed with different slogans.
