pha marks independence
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PHA marks Independence Day across Punjab

LAHORE: District agencies of the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) have launched a range of Independence Day activities across Punjab, including fireworks, green-and-white illuminations, cultural programmes and plantation drives.

Lahore, Murree, Jhelum and Faisalabad welcomed August 14 with fireworks late Wednesday night. Authorities also decorated major roads, parks and public spaces with lights and national flags in the colours of the Pakistani flag.

In Lahore, the agency organised midnight fireworks at five locations, including Greater Iqbal Park, Liberty Roundabout and Gulshan Iqbal Park. It also installed decorative crescents, stars and traditional lamps at several sites and arranged a musical night.

Faisalabad hosted an entertainment programme at Bagh-i-Jinnah, featuring fireworks, family activities, magic shows and musical performances. The agency also decorated several parts of the city with illuminated structures.

Murree held a fireworks display and planned a cake-cutting ceremony after the flag-hoisting. Officials decorated Kuldana Road, Bagh-i-Shaheedan, View Forth Road, Jhika Gali, Kashmir Point and Pindi Point.

In Jhelum, fireworks took place at Akram Shaheed Park, which also received decorative lighting. Officials installed flags along the green belt on Old GT Road and placed streamers in several parks.

Rawalpindi will combine Independence Day celebrations with a plantation initiative at Allama Iqbal Park, where officials will distribute plants after the flag-hoisting ceremony. The agency has also decorated several major roads with lights.

Other districts, including Khushab, Nankana Sahib, Multan, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan and Okara, have arranged similar activities. Multan will distribute saplings at several parks, while Okara plans to plant 1,000 saplings and decorate nine major parks.

Dera Ghazi Khan has organised a musical night and will hold a rally in coordination with the deputy commissioner’s office. Gujranwala is promoting Independence Day through digital campaigns and decorations in parks.

The PHA said its celebrations also highlight environmental responsibility. District agencies are continuing monsoon plantation campaigns across Punjab to increase green cover and expand parks in urban areas.

A PHA spokesperson said Independence Day provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifices behind Pakistan’s creation while renewing the commitment to the country’s future and environmental well-being.

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