KARACHI – Private and public schools besides universities marked the 65th Independence Day of Pakistan on Tuesday in the economical hub of the country. Heads of the institutions paid homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and remembered the untiring efforts of our great leaders of Pakistan Movement.
Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) hoisted the national flag on the Independence Day in the morning, while colourful programmes were held at Abdul Qadir Auditorium. FUUAST Registrar Prof Qamar-ul-Haq expressed his views on the occasion, while other officials of the University also present on the occasion.
At Karachi University, the ceremony began in the lawn of the new administration Block with the recitation of Holy Quran, which was followed by hoisting of national flag by KU Vice Chancellor Prof  Muhammad Qaiser, while others enchanted the national anthem of Pakistan. Later, Prof Dr Hafiz Ehsan-ul-Haq prayed for progress, solidarity and prosperity of Pakistan.
On the occasion, the KU VC said that the day of Independence of Pakistan reminds us that we are a united nation who struggled hard to attain freedom under the guidance and leadership of Quaid-e-Azam. He said we celebrate this day to rejuvenate the promises with our beloved homeland. He insisted that we should not forget the problems that our nation is facing these days. The Vice Chancellor added that this auspicious day, when Muslims achieved Independence, should be celebrated despite the timely hardships that we face as a nation. According to Dr Qaiser, we are fortunate to celebrate this promising day during the holy month of Ramzan; this gives us an opportunity to pray for our country’s prosperous future. The ceremony was attended by KU Registrar Prof Dr M Nasiruddin, deans of all the faculties, and a large number of faculty members and employees.
The DUHS organised different activities to commemorate the I-day. National flag hoisting ceremony was held at Ojha Campus of Dow University. DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof Masood Hameed Khan, along with senior faculty members and administrative officers, heads of various faculties and departments performed the flag hoisting ceremony with special prayers for peace and prosperity of the country.
Prof Masood Hameed Khan also paid glowing tributes to martyrs, workers and leaders of Pakistan Movement whose sacrifices paved way for our independence. Later on, Prof Masood Hameed Khan distributed Independence gift to the TB patients.
Earlier on Monday, Dow University of Health Sciences as a part of Independence Day Celebration organised a bilingual English and Urdu debate competition at Dow Medical College. Total 14 students of Dow University and its constituent institution participated in it. The judges of the competition were students of DMC including Mustafa Bilal, Zainab Akbar, Ali Rafiq and Saba Fatima. Prof Masood Hameed Khan, Vice Chancellor, DUHS was the guest of honour on the occasion.
During the Competition, participants of the debates presented their contrasting views with professional competency. Rida Majeed of DMC secured the first position, whereas Ammar Hassan and Yusra Hashmi of DMC secured the second and third position respectively. At the end of the competition, Prof Dr Masood Hameed Khan presented certificates to the winners and runners-up.
On the other hand, the Independence Day was also observed at Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) with great honour and dignity. An impressive flag hoisting ceremony was held to mark the Independence Day of Pakistan at the campus. Vice Chancellor Jawaid Hassan Rizvi, hoisted the national flag which was followed by the national anthem sung by the students and faculty members of the university. On the occasion, glowing tributes were paid to the people who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for having an independent homeland. The ceremony was attended among others by Prof Dr Najeeb Siddiqui, Associate Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Mukhtar Ahmed Naqvi, Consultant CEP, all chairmen, Registrar Syed Ejazullah Hussaini, Khumar Farooqui, Consultant Literary, Art and Culture Forum, faculty members and other staff members.
Addressing the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor called for continued efforts to make Pakistan a progressive and developed state where people live with honour and dignity. “We are facing some serious challenges these days that need to be resolved collectively,” he added.
Today, he said, there is great need for unity and tolerance to make Pakistan progress economically. He said the future of Pakistan is bright. “Let us all resolve on this occasion that we will keep the flag of our nation flying high and we march forward to the path of progress and prosperity,” Prof Dr Syed Jawaid Rizvi added. On the occasion, the students of the university also presented national songs.