Rawalpindi (Staff Reporter) Zahid Bakhtawari, Vice President of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board and Vice Chairman of the Central Organization of Traders Registered Rawalpindi, presided over a grand ceremony on Mall Road, Rawalpindi, to celebrate Independence Day and express solidarity with the Pakistan Armed Forces. The event included a flag hoisting, cutting of a cake, and loud slogans in support of Pakistan and its military, along with special prayers for the safety, stability, and prosperity of the country and its martyrs. The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of Pakistan’s national anthems and patriotic songs.
The ceremony formally began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Speakers included Sheikh Inayat, Nazim Butt, Malik Farooq Awan, President of Tanzeem Al-Awan Malik Ahmad Awan, Rafiq Bhattiya, Khan Wazir Khattak, Sheikh Muhammad Bakhsh, Saadat Khattak, Malik Shakeel Awan, Ghulam Mustafa, and others, while the Civil Defense administration also participated actively. In his address, Zahid Bakhtawari quoted, “I stand united for the protection of the Muslim sanctuaries, from the shores of the Nile to Kashgar.” He extended heartfelt congratulations to the attendees, the people of Pakistan, and the Muslim Ummah on Independence Day, stating that today is a significant historical day for both Pakistan and the entire Muslim Ummah.
He remarked that the establishment of the Islamic state in Medina 1,400 years ago and the creation of Pakistan under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah 79 years ago symbolize that Pakistan, founded on the basis of the Kalima Tayyiba, is a great blessing for the Muslim Ummah. Zahid Bakhtawari emphasized that today we stand for the safety of Pakistan and Muslims worldwide. He noted that the dream of unity for the Muslim Ummah envisioned by Shah Faisal has made significant progress with the recent Makkah Pact between the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. This is a success for all of us, and it is hoped that more Muslim countries will join this alliance and cooperation. He stated that Pakistan’s journey towards improvement, development, and prosperity will continue. This country belongs to us, and we must protect its honor, dignity, and security. The rights of all citizens and adherence to the Constitution of Pakistan must be prioritized. Until we feel for one another and unite, the objectives of Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan cannot be fully achieved. Zahid Bakhtawari paid tribute to the military institutions, martyrs, veterans, youth, and the Muslim Ummah, urging everyone to play their part in promoting education and eradicating ignorance.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a collective prayer was offered for Pakistan, the Muslim Ummah, the Pakistan Armed Forces, Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, the success and prosperity of the current government, national security and stability, and the elevation of the martyrs of Pakistan.