By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi has formally launched a 14-day program of Independence Day celebrations under the theme “Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad” (Long Live Pakistan) by planting a sapling at the Governor House in Karachi.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said the theme was intended to promote national unity, patriotism and a shared commitment to Pakistan’s security and stability. He said the celebrations would convey a message that the nation stands united with its armed forces, state institutions and national interests.
Hashmi described August as a month of celebration and said people across the country would mark Independence Day with enthusiasm and national spirit. He added that the festivities had begun with a tree plantation campaign to highlight the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
Emphasizing the significance of afforestation, the governor referred to Islamic teachings that encourage planting trees. He said climate change, rising temperatures, heavy rainfall and flooding were posing serious challenges, while unchecked urban development, deforestation and the obstruction of natural waterways had worsened environmental problems.
The governor also announced that Dr Saifur Rehman had assumed charge as Principal Secretary to the Governor. He said Dr Rehman had extensive experience in developing urban forests and that a modern urban forest was being established at the Governor House, with the aim of creating a lush green space by next year.
Hashmi said the Sindh chapter of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and other political and social organizations would also promote tree plantation and urban and rural afforestation during the Independence Day celebrations.
Outlining the program, he said laptops would be distributed to outstanding university students on 3 August, while a special educational event for schoolchildren would be held on 6 August to highlight the Pakistan Movement, the creation of Pakistan and the legacy of the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The program will also include a visit to Quaid-e-Azam House and the screening of a documentary on the Pakistan Movement. The celebrations will continue with a national mushaira on 8 August focusing on the freedom movement, national history and patriotism.
A special program for female students will be held on 10 August to highlight the contributions of Fatima Jinnah and educate participants about the Pakistan Movement. On 11 August, Minority Day will be observed to recognize the contribution of minority communities to Pakistan’s development, while Youth Day on 12 August will feature speech and debate competitions on independence, national progress and the responsibilities of young people.
The governor said the main Independence Day ceremony would take place at the Governor House on the evening of 13 August, followed by flag-hoisting ceremonies at the Governor House, Mazar-e-Quaid and other locations on 14 August.
Concluding his address, Hashmi said Pakistan had been built through immense sacrifices and would continue to grow stronger. Referring to recent tensions with India, he praised the country’s armed forces under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and credited Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif with promoting peace and stability in the region. He said Pakistan would continue to uphold peace, mutual respect and the principle of “live and let live” while safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and national dignity.
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