QUETTA: The spirits were high across the province as people in Balochistan celebrated country’s 71 Independence Day with full zeal and fervor on Tuesday as several ceremonies were held to mark the occasion.

The day began with a 21-gun salute to in the provincial capital and special prayers followed for the country’s prosperity and development.

The central ceremony of Independence Day was held in Provincial Assembly where Caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan Alaudd Din Mari hoisted national flag and addressed the participants.

“Today’s Independence Day has high importance that fortunately our country is peacefully heading towards democratic transaction of new government which will strengthen the democratic powers in Pakistan,” Interim Chief Minister Balochistan said and stressed self-accountability to build a corruption-free society.

Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa, IG FC Major General Nadeem Anjum, Speaker Raheela Hameed Durrani, President BAP Jam Kamal Khan, Qudus Bizenjo, Saleh Bhotani, IG Police Mohsin Butt and others were present in the flag hoisting ceremony.

Children from various schools sang national songs and presented tableaus on Independence Day.

Chief Justice Balochistan High Court Justice Noor Meskanzai hoisted national flag in the premises of Balochistan High Court on 71 Independence Day while Jashan-e-Azadi ceremony was held in Governor House Balochistan.

Government buildings, including Provincial Assembly, Railway Station, High Court, Chief Minister House and Governor House were decorated with colorful lights and national flags to show full enthusiasm on Independence Day.

Moreover, Independence Day ceremonies were held in all Divisional Headquarters, including Kalat, Loralai, Makran, Sibi and Kech wherein divisional administrators, tribal notables and a large number of citizens participated.

Pakistan Army conducted a heavy bike rally on Independence Day celebrations in Quetta cantonment where more than 20 bikers participated and marched on various roads of the provincial capital carrying national flags.

“We want to show the world that we are united and celebrating our Independence Day with full zeal and fervor,” Fareed Tareen, the President of Quetta Heavy Bikers Association, said and further added that Pakistan is a peaceful country and Pak-Army organised Independence Day Heavy Bike Rally to promote peace.

An Independence Day Rally, carrying the longest flag, initiated from Mastung by Mili Muslim League which culminated in Provincial Capital Quetta after hundreds of rally participants marched 50km.

The longest flag rally concluded at Imdad Chowk in the provincial capital where the participants of the rally chanted high pitched slogans for prosperity of the country.

“Today we have given a clear message to the foes of Pakistan that Balochistan is the heart of Pakistan; people living, cherish more patriotic feelings than people of any other province,” Rana Tanveer President Mili Muslim League Balochistan claimed.

Sector Commander Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan Brigadier Tasawur paid homage to the martyrs of Mastung blast and laid down a wreath of flowers on the grave of martyred Nawabzada Siraj Raisani.

“The sacrifices laid down by the people of Balochistan and armed forces resulted in the flag of Pakistan being seen all across the province; brave Nawbazada Siraj Raisani was a true patriotic son of Pakistan and the sacrifice of martyrs of Mastung blast will always be remembered,” Brigadier Tasawur spoke on the occasion.

Nawabzada Jamal Raisani, tribal notables of Mastung and district administration were present at the ceremony.