*Government begin its month long Azadi celebrations
The government has kicked off its month long Independence celebrations in a befitting manner throughout Punjab. An impressive function was held at Hazoori Bagh which was attended by Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique, National Assembly members Pervaiz Malik, Shaista Pervaiz Malik, Punjab Assembly members Khawaja Imran Nazir, Ghazali Saleem Butt, Chaudhry Shahbaz, DCO Captain (r) Muhammad Usman, Khawaja Ahmed Hasaan and a large number of people from different walks of life and school children.
The celebrations began with prayers at the shrine of Poet of the East Dr Allama Iqbal. Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique and National and provincial assembly members visited Mazar-e-Iqbal and offered Dua after laying floral wreath. Later, the participants sang national songs at the premises of Hazoori Bagh and paid rich tributes to the personalities who took part in the Pakistan Movement. On this occasion, Hazoori Bagh and Minar-e-Pakistan were decorated with national flags. Addressing on the occasion, the speakers said that the entire nation is ready to celebrate Independence Day in a befitting manner and the nation will face all problems courageously.
Talking to journalists on occasion, Saad Rafique said that why those favouring to hold dialogues with the Taliban are refusing to hold talks with the democratically elected government. He said that no political party holds protests in the country which is fighting a war within its own boundries.
Like Lahore, Independence Day celebrations were also held in Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Vehari, Rajanpur, Lodhran, Layyah and Sheikhupura as well as in various districts of the province. PML-N National and provincial assembly members, district administration and a large number of citizens participated in these functions. National flags were hosted, national songs were played and special prayers were offered for the solidarity and prosperity of the country.