Lahore: A grand celebration was held at the Social Welfare Complex in Lahore to mark the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan. The event was attended by a large crowd of residents, including children, women, and senior citizens from institutions such as Aafiat, Chaman, and Kashana. Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Sohail Shaukat Butt served as the chief guest, along with Director General of Social Welfare Dr. Shahinshah Faisal Azim and other senior officials.
The ceremony began with the hoisting of the national flag by Minister Sohail Shaukat Butt, who also planted a sapling on the complex grounds to symbolize growth and renewal. The entire venue was decorated in the traditional green and white colors, reflecting the festive spirit of Independence Day. Children from the Children’s Home showcased energetic gymnastics routines, while a sign language performance of the national anthem and a musical act by visually impaired youth added emotional depth to the event.
A cake-cutting ceremony was held in which the minister, DG Social Welfare, children from the complex, and staff participated. The atmosphere was filled with cheers of “Pakistan Zindabad” as the audience applauded the children’s performances and expressed patriotic fervor. The event aimed to foster a sense of unity and pride among the residents and attendees.
In his address, Provincial Minister Sohail Shaukat Butt congratulated Pakistanis worldwide on completing 79 years of independence. He highlighted Pakistan’s strong stance on national defense, comparing it to global allies Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Butt emphasized that Pakistan is a symbol of hope, identity, and future, and reiterated the importance of a welfare state as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam.
The minister announced measures to improve the lives of residents, instructing the DG Social Welfare to transfer the children of the complex to top educational institutions within a week for better academic opportunities. He also highlighted increased budget allocations under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for various social safety programs, including the Himmat Card and Dhee Rani Program, aimed at supporting vulnerable segments of society. He urged the children to uphold strong morals and ethics as they grow.
DG Social Welfare Dr. Shahinshah Faisal Azim paid tribute to martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan’s sovereignty. He praised the military leadership and armed forces for their role in defending the nation and emphasized that the message of August 14 is one of unity, resilience, and active contribution by every citizen. The event served as a reminder of the sacrifices made for independence and the ongoing responsibility to build a prosperous Pakistan.
