LAHORE- Despite a dreadful suicide attack at the Wagah border on Sunday claiming around 60 lives and inflicting injuries upon over 100 others, the brave and patriotic citizens from Lahore and other parts of the
country defied all threats today and actively participated in the heart-warming flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah border gate.

A day after 60 people were killed in a deadly terrorist attack, Wagah border parade ground was opened for citizens to witness the flag-lowering ceremony today.

The Punjab Rangers had earlier announced to suspend the flag lowering ceremony for three days, but on Monday a Rangers spokesman announced that the ceremony will be held as per schedule and citizens will be welcomed. The spokesman said that decision had been taken to boost the morale of the nation after the deadly bombing.

Citizens reached the parade venue in large numbers along with their children and families to witness the ceremony. "Terrorists cannot deter the resolve of this brave nation," a citizen said. "Our morale is still high. We are here with our children," another participant said.

Lahore Corps Commander Lt Gen Naveed Zaman and DG Rangers also reached the venue to witness the ceremony. Both the officials reviewed the security arrangements and expressed their full satisfaction. During the ceremony, the enthusiastic crowd chanted loud slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad' and other slogans. National songs were also played on the occasion, which further added colour to the ceremony. The ceremony ended on an emotional note almost 24 hours after the devastating attack.

On the other hand, the situation was very quiet on the Indian side of the border as no enthusiasm of participants was witnessed. Strict security arrangements were made during the ceremony and a large
number of security persons were deployed to keep an eye on the situation.

Lahore Corps Commander Lt Gen Naveed Zaman said after the ceremony that these terrorist attacks cannot diminish the zeal and enthusiasm of Pakistanis. “My sympathies go out to the bereaved families,” he said. He even admired the ‘big-hearted’ Lahoriites who turned up at today’s ceremony out of ‘national spirit’.
He pointed that there was complete dullness on the other side of the border.