MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): A grand flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in Muzaffarabad, in which a well-dressed contingent of police saluted the national flag.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of government, religious, political, and social leaders, including the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, after which the flag was hoisted. The participants prayed for the integrity, progress, and prosperity of the country.
On this occasion, flag hoisting and Independence Day celebrations were also organized at other places in the city, in which the public participated with great enthusiasm.
Earlier, the hoisting of the Independence Day flag was done at the Sports Stadium in Rawalakot, where former State President and Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Yaqub Khan, members of the district administration, assembly members, and military representatives were present.
A large turnout of children, women, and citizens participated in the event, despite the persistent heavy rain. Because of the rain, the ceremony was shortened, yet the patriotic fervor of the participants was high.
Closing remarks were made by Sardar Yaqub Khan, who welcomed the spontaneity of the people, particularly the school children and women, for attending the celebrations despite adverse weather conditions.
