A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Government College University Lahore (GCU Lahore) to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omer Chaudhary, renowned journalist Salman Ghani, faculty members, students, and administrative and academic heads attended the ceremony.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omer Chaudhary hoisted the national flag along with Salman Ghani and senior university officials.

Addressing the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omer Chaudhary congratulated the faculty, students, and staff on Independence Day. He said that greater attention and resources were needed for the education sector, adding that investment in education and the younger generation was essential for the country’s future.

The Vice Chancellor said that the value of freedom was best understood by those who did not have it. He said Pakistanis should be grateful for living in an independent country and should remember the sacrifices made by those who struggled for and contributed to the creation of Pakistan.

He called upon students, faculty, and citizens to contribute to the country’s development through their respective responsibilities. He said educational institutions and young people had an important role in Pakistan’s development, stability, and progress.

Speaking on the occasion, journalist Salman Ghani said Pakistan had demonstrated effective strategic planning during last year’s conflict and that the country had subsequently celebrated the outcome. He also referred to defence agreements made this year, describing them as significant for Pakistan, and said that other countries were also recognizing Pakistan’s role and capabilities.

Salman Ghani said China had continued to stand by Pakistan in difficult times. Referring to GCU Lahore’s historical legacy, he said Allama Muhammad Iqbal, an alumnus of the institution, played an important role in shaping the idea of Pakistan.

He further said Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue and peace, including between Iran and the United States, reflected its position as a peace-oriented country. He emphasized the need to develop a sense of national responsibility among young people and to allocate greater resources to education, stating that Pakistan’s future was closely linked to its youth.

“Pakistan’s youth are not merely the inheritors of the future; they are the Shaheens envisioned by Allama Iqbal,” Salman Ghani said, stressing the need to trust young people and provide them with opportunities for education and development.

Students of the Nazir Ahmad Music Society performed national songs and presented selections from the poetry of Allama Iqbal during the ceremony. The performances were appreciated by the participants.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for the peace, prosperity, stability, and progress of Pakistan.