Pakistan Day celebrated across KP, Fata

Excelling figures awarded at investiture ceremony

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Day was celebrated on Thursday across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and tribal areas with traditional zeal and fervor.

The main function was held at the Governor's House where one personality of the province was decorated with Sitara-i-Imtiaz, four with presidential pride of performance and three with Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in recognition of their extraordinary services in the respective fields.

Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra on behalf of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain, honored the excelling figures at the investiture ceremony.

Diplomats from Iran and Afghanistan, members of the provincial cabinet, lawmakers from the KP and Fata, senior civil, military officials, relatives and well-wishers of the recipients of the awards attended the function.

Prof Dr Muhammad Rasool Jan, a former vice-chancellor University of Peshawar, received Sitara-i-Imtiaz for services in the education sector and senior journalist Ismail Khan was honoured with Pride of Performance Award in the field of journalism.

Mrs Sitara Gul, Mrs. Kaniz Narjis and Dr. Yaqoob Khan were awarded President's Award for Pride of Performance posthumously for the public service.

Mian Naeem Ali Shah, husband of Mrs. Sitara Gul (late), Izzat Hussain, husband of Mrs. Kaniz Narjis (late) and Mst. Farzana, widow of Dr. Yaqoob Khan (late) received their awards. Muhammad Elahi Bakhsh was decorated for calligraphy, Professor Nasir Ali Syed and Syeda Haseena Gul for literature.

MANSEHRA: The people from different walks of life staged a rally to mark 70th anniversary of Pakistan resolution. The rally was taken out from Gazikot. The participants assembled at Khatm-i-Nabuwat Chowk after marching through various roads.

JAMRUD: A function was arranged at the Jamrud Jirga Hall to mark the day. Students performed tableaus, sang national songs and delivered speeches highlighting the importance of independence. Khasadar and Levies forces also performed.

Gifts and prizes were later distributed among the heirs of the martyrs. Addressing the gathering, Assistant Political Agent Ziaur Rehman Marwat and elders of the areas pledged all sacrifices for the country.

MINGORA: A function was held at the Wadudia Hall to celebrate the day.

Swat District Nazim Muhammad Ali Shah, Lieutenant Colonel Ayaz Wali Khan, Executive District Officer (EDO) Muhammad Amin, elders of the area and students of various educational institutions attended the ceremony.

PARACHINAR: The day was also celebrated with zeal and zest at Frontier Corp (FC) ground here in Kurram Agency. Commandant of the Frontier Corp (FC) Umar Malik was the chief guest on the occasion while officials of the political administration, students and tribal elders were also present. Speaking on the occasion, Commandant Umar Malik said that tribesmen were patriotic and had sacrificed their lives and properties to restore peace in the region.

NOWSHERA: The day was celebrated with traditional zeal and fervor at Government Postgraduate College, Nowshera. Deputy Commissioner Khawaja Sikandar Zeshan, Station Commander Nowshera Brigadier Syed Muzzamil Shah and District Police Officer (DPO) Wahid Mehmood participated in the flag-hoisting ceremony.

GHALLANAI: Pakistan Day was also celebrated in Mohmand Agency with national enthusiasm and fervour. Political Agent Mehmood Aslam Wazir, Rifle Wings Commander Lieutenant Col Muhammad Umair, Assistant Political Agents including Naveed Akbar, Hameedullah and Fata Director Sports Muhammad Nawaz were present on the occasion.

Flag-hoisting ceremony, Kabbadi, Volleyball, Badminton, dog race, gymnastic, tug of war and football matches were held on the occasion.

KHAR: Functions were also held in various areas in Bajaur Agency in connection with the Pakistan Day. A well-attended ceremony was held in Khar where Political Agent Engineer Amir Khattak, Lieutenant Col Naeem Akbar, Assistant Political Agent Tariqullah, Major Irfan and tribal elders were present. Participants took part in shooting competition, tug-of-war and cricket match on the occasion.