The 78th Independence Day of Pakistan and the “Battle for Truth” were celebrated across Balochistan on Thursday with grand ceremonies, vibrant decorations, and a display of patriotic zeal. From the provincial capital to remote towns, the green and white of the national flag adorned streets, markets, government buildings, and homes, reflecting the unity and pride of the nation.
The central flag-hoisting ceremony was held on the lawns of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly, where Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai raised the national flag in the presence of provincial ministers, lawmakers, senior officials, and citizens.
Schoolchildren performed national songs and colorful tableaux, winning applause from the crowd. The chief minister announced a cash award of PKR 500,000 for the students, praising their performances and extending Independence Day greetings to the nation.
“From Gwadar to Zhob, the people of Balochistan have celebrated Independence Day with unmatched enthusiasm,” CM Bugti said, reaffirming his government’s commitment to guiding the province toward progress and prosperity.
A separate ceremony at the Balochistan High Court saw Chief Justice Rozi Khan Barrech hoist the national flag and call the public the “true stakeholders” of the state. He highlighted initiatives such as inheritance courts and dedicated facilities for female lawyers and judges, underscoring the judiciary’s role in public service.
Under special directives from the chief minister, Quetta’s major roads, government buildings, and landmarks — including Governor House, CM House, Zarghoon Road, and Shahrah-e-Gulistan — were illuminated in green and white lights, creating a festive nighttime spectacle.
Private schools and colleges also organized Independence Day events featuring national songs, debates, and tableaux, with students showcasing their patriotism. Across the province, citizens of all ages participated in rallies, purchased flags and badges, and joined celebrations under the “Resilient and Rising Pakistan” campaign, which has so far hosted more than 2,458 events.
The day’s celebrations reflected Balochistan’s cultural diversity, unity, and enduring commitment to Pakistan, with Quetta’s illuminated streets and the echo of patriotic songs capturing the spirit of the occasion.
