LAHORE: Flag-hoisting ceremonies were organised at different institutions in the city here on Monday.

Faculty and a large number of students were present at ceremonies at the Punjab University, Government College University and Lahore College for Women University. The students presented national songs.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zaffar Mueen Nasar urged the nation to serve the country irrespective of personal interest as this was the way to make the country Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal`s Pakistan.

He said Allah had bestowed Pakistan with abundant natural resources. He paid a rich tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for creation of Pakistan.

A mushaira was also held regarding Independence Day in the old hall in which renowned poets presented their poetry.

At the GCU, a grand flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the university`s historical Bukhari Auditorium.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah laid stress on strengthening national institutions of thecountry, saying that Pakistan was the sixth largest country in the world by population, but unfortunately it was too f ar below in the list of countries in socioeconomic indicators.

He said the country`s 70-year journey had not been smooth and it was still facing multiple challenges on political, geographical, social and especially economic fronts.

Celebrating the Independence Day, Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) announced setting up a Pakistan Movement Gallery wherein rare pictures of the movement and its leadership will be displayed.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr.Uzma Qureshi said it was important to educate young generation about the history of Pakistan Movement. She said the independence that the nation achieved 70 years ago was an outcome of the sacrifices made by its ancestors. `Muslims rendered sacrifices for their future as well as for posterity. Today, we are treading the path of prosperity and progress in a peaceful and dignified country because of those sacrifices.

Meanwhile, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women.

Additional Secretary Nadir Khalique and Secretary PCSW Muhammad Usman were the chiefguests of the ceremony.

They said it was [our] prime duty to contribute to the development of Pakistan in the light of vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, celebrated the 70th Independence Day and organised various activities to mark the day on Monday.

The day began with Quran Khwani and special prayers in the university mosque for martyrs and for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Later a flag-hoisting ceremony was arranged.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha hoisted the national flag while faculty members, staff and students attended in large numbers.

Speaking on the occasion, the VC congratulated the university employees and students on celebrating the Independence Day and asked them to work hard with honesty and dedication for the progress of the university and the country.

Gun shooting, archery, national songs competitions among the university employees and students and spoon race, colouring and designs, quiz, guitar, ring and spelling bee contests were arranged among children of university employees.