RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: A number of events were held in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to celebrate the Independence Day on Sunday.

A theatrical performance, `Salam Pakistan` was held at the Rawalpindi Arts Council to pay tributes to people who migrated from India to Pakistan after the creation of the new country.

A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the commissioner of fice which was attended by Commissioner Azmat Mehmood, District Coordination Officer Talat Mehmood Gondal, City Police Officer Israr Ahmed Abbasi and elected representatives and divisional and district heads of Rawalpindi.

A contingent of the police presented a guard of honour on the occasion, and prayers were offered for those martyred in the ongoing Zarb-i-Azb military operation and for the country`s prosperity.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mehmood paid homage to the sacrifices of the independence movement and said everyone should devote themselves to undertaking their responsibilities with devotion and dedication, according to the principles of Quaid-i-Azam: unity, faith and discipline.

A similar ceremony was held at the Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindibench, where the flag was raised by Justice Mohammad Tariq Abbasi, Justice Sadagat Ali Khan, Justice Qazi Mohammad Ameen Ahmed, Justice Raja Shahid Mehmood Abbasi, High Court Bar Association secretary general Faisal Butt, District Bar Association president Showkat Rauf Siddique, additional registrar Mohammad Akram, deputy registrar Malik Khalid Mehmood and assistant registrar Mohammad Ageel Arshid.

The participants offered special prayers for the martyrs of Zarb-i-Azb and those killed in the recent Quetta attack.

The social welfare department organised an event at Sanat Zar Rawalpindi in which students dressed in outfits emblazoned with the national flag participated in colourful tableaus, performed national songs, delivered speeches and paid tributes to the leaders of the Pakistan Movement.

The education department also organised an Independence Day event at the Government Viqarun Nisa Girls College.

Faculty, students and elected representatives highlighted the achievements of Quaid-i-Azam and other leaders who succeeded in securing a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent.

The Rawalpindi population welfarebench, where the flag was raised by Justice Mohammad Tariq Abbasi, Justice Sadagat Ali Khan, Justice Qazi Mohammad Ameen Ahmed, Justice Raja Shahid Mehmood Abbasi, High Court Bar Association secretary general Faisal Butt, District Bar Association president Showkat Rauf Siddique, additional registrar Mohammad Akram, deputy registrar Malik Khalid Mehmood and assistant registrar Mohammad Ageel Arshid.

The participants offered special prayers for the martyrs of Zarb-i-Azb and those killed in the recent Quetta attack.

The social welfare department organised an event at Sanat Zar Rawalpindi in which students dressed in outfits emblazoned with the national flag participated in colourful tableaus, performed national songs, delivered speeches and paid tributes to the leaders of the Pakistan Movement.

The education department also organised an Independence Day event at the Government Viqarun Nisa Girls College.

Faculty, students and elected representatives highlighted the achievements of Quaid-i-Azam and other leaders who succeeded in securing a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent.

The Rawalpindi population welfaredepartment held a flag-raising ceremony, which was attended by District Population Welfare Of ficer Shereen Sukhan and other officials.

A display of fireworks at the Parade Venue in Shakarparian marked the day in the capital city. The Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation also displayed fireworks on Saturday night which was attended by thousands of people.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Sheikh Ansr Aziz shed lights on the importance of the day.

Educational institutions, particularly the Federal Directorate of Education-run schools on Sunday organised different events to mark the day.

Al-Farabi Centre the directorate of special education also celebrated the day in a befitting manner.

State minister for CADD Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry while speaking at the centre said special children were an asset of the country and the government would take every possible step for their well-being.

Special children presented a tableau which was appreciated by the audience.

The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi and theFatima Jinnah Women University also organised special events.

AIOU Vice Chancellor Dr Shahid Siddiqui said youth were the future of the country and they must utilise their talents in building the nation.

At Lok Virsa, a cake-cutting ceremony was held while an exhibition of artisans-atwork, featuring craftspeople in the field of embroidery, weaving, basketry, doll making, jewellery and truck art was organised at the Heritage Museum Citizens decorated their houses and cars with the national flag while alarge number of people thronged recreational spots such as Lakeview Park, Islamabad Zoo and F-9 Park Due to the huge rush of people, the capital police increased security in all the picnic spots by deputing more personnel there.

The motorway police distributed special gift hampers among road users.

Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat took out a motorbike rally from G-9 (Karachi Company) to Aabpara.

Mazdoor Union of Capital Development Authority (CDA) also held an event to celebrate the day. A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the National Press Club in which the mayor of Islamabad, Sheikh Ansr Aziz, was also present. A Reporter