LAHORE – Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin hoisted what was described as Lahore’s tallest national flag at a special Independence Day ceremony held at Jilani Park.
The 100-foot-wide national flag was raised to a height of 200 feet during the ceremony, which was attended by Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Chairman Ghazali Saleem Butt and Managing Director Ahmad Usman Javed.
Speaking on the occasion, Bilal Yasin said Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was being celebrated in the spirit of the Makkah Accord, describing unity among the Muslim Ummah as a positive development.
He said Pakistan’s political and military leadership had played a decisive role in changing the course of history. “Those assessing Pakistan’s importance, not only in the region but also in the global landscape, should now reconsider their predictions,” he said.
Yasin said conspiracies aimed at pushing Pakistan toward default had been exposed, adding that the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal and Deputy Prime Minister could not be forgotten.
He said the true spirit of independence lay in putting aside personal interests and safeguarding the interests of the country and nation.
A large number of schoolchildren attended the ceremony, carrying national flags and chanting patriotic slogans. The provincial minister also cut a cake and distributed gifts among the children.
PHA Chairman Ghazali Saleem Butt said Pakistan’s development and prosperity was a shared national mission, while PHA Managing Director Ahmad Usman Javed said efforts to make Lahore greener would continue in line with Chief Minister Punjab’s vision.
The ceremony concluded with patriotic chants and expressions of commitment to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.
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