UMERKOT (District Report by Ahmed Khan Bhurgri): A grand event titled “Freedom for All – Our Beloved Pakistan” was organized in Umerkot through the joint collaboration of the social organization Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and the district administration to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day and highlight the importance of equality, unity and minority rights.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the Gayatri Mantra and the national anthem. Deputy Commissioner Umerkot Naveed-ur-Rehman Larak attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Naveed-ur-Rehman Larak said that living and proud nations celebrate their days of independence with enthusiasm and gratitude.
He said the people of Pakistan should take pride in their homeland and remember the sacrifices made for the country’s independence.
The deputy commissioner appreciated Community World Service Asia for organizing a remarkable Independence Day event and said that including a programme highlighting the rights and contributions of minorities was a positive initiative.
He emphasized that all citizens were equal and said that in the modern era, the term “minority” should not become a source of discrimination or division.
Naveed-ur-Rehman Larak also appreciated a theatrical presentation based on the Hindu Marriage Act 2017/2018 framework, describing it as an effective way of creating awareness about legal rights and social issues.
District Education Officer Elementary and Secondary Mir Hassan Arisar congratulated the nation on Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day and also extended greetings to minority communities on their national day.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Boys Degree College Umerkot Professor Abdul Rauf Soomro said that free nations celebrate their independence days with pride.
He highlighted the contributions of both Muslims and Hindus to the independence movement and said people from different communities had jointly participated in the struggle for freedom.
1122 Zonal In-charge Bansi Malhi expressed happiness over the large number of people, particularly members of minority communities, who had travelled from different areas to attend the event.
He said that Community World Service Asia was making valuable contributions in the fields of education and healthcare and appreciated the organization for its work for communities.
A large number of government officials, civil society representatives, social workers, teachers, students and members of different communities attended the event.
Among those present were District Education Officer Elementary and Secondary Mir Hassan Arisar, District Health Officer Dr. Muhammad Ali Nahri, ATO Excise Sarfraz Jalbani, District Manager PPHI Dr. Sharafuddin Memon, Deputy Director Social Welfare Noor Muhammad Sheikh, Deputy Director BBSYDP Murtaza Kotrio, Taxation Officer Owais Raza Samejo, Inspector Azhar, Agriculture Director Ayaz Kachhelo, 1122 Zonal In-charge Bansi Malhi, NADRA In-charge Noor Muhammad Bhanbhro, Deputy DEO Primary Noor Muhammad Nangrani and representatives of the Information Department.
Representatives of civil society and social organizations also participated in the ceremony, including Advocate Bhagchand Bheel, former Assistant Director Social Welfare Sarupchand, CWSA District Manager Madam Kiran Bashir, Project Officer Shahabuddin, HANDS representative Mansoor Memon, CEO Save the Life Foundation Kanhya Mohan Lal, Abdul Jabbar Kumbhar, Advocate Naresh Nath, Musarrat Rajput, Sarang Ram Soothehar, Advocate Muhammad Bakhsh Kumbhar, Ayaz Soomro, Shivaram Soothehar and Eidel Ali Kumbhar, among others.
The event also featured a range of cultural and educational performances designed to promote awareness about equality, citizenship and minority rights.
Groups formed for the occasion presented a detailed theatrical performance related to the Hindu Marriage Act, which received considerable appreciation from the guests and audience.
Students from different schools presented national songs, skits, tableaux and other cultural performances.
The performances highlighted themes of patriotism, national unity, religious harmony and equal citizenship.
Students and female students participated enthusiastically in the programme, while a large number of women from different communities were also present.
The participation of women and young people added further significance to the event, reflecting the organizers’ emphasis on inclusive participation in national celebrations.
The speakers emphasized that Pakistan’s strength lies in unity and that people belonging to different religions and communities have an equal role in the country’s progress.
They said the Independence Day should not merely be viewed as an occasion for celebration but also as an opportunity to renew the national commitment to equality, peace, tolerance and social development.
The event also provided an opportunity for representatives of government departments, civil society organizations and local communities to interact and discuss issues affecting citizens.
The organizers said that promoting awareness of minority rights and encouraging participation by different communities was essential for strengthening social cohesion.
They emphasized that education and awareness could play an important role in reducing discrimination and building a more inclusive society.
The cultural performances by students were particularly appreciated by the audience, with participants demonstrating enthusiasm and creativity through national songs, tableaux and theatrical presentations.
At the conclusion of the event, Deputy Commissioner Naveed-ur-Rehman Larak distributed prizes among students who delivered outstanding performances.
The award distribution ceremony encouraged students and recognized their efforts in preparing and presenting the performances.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to the district administration, government departments, civil society organizations, teachers, students and community members for participating in the Independence Day programme.
They said the event reflected the spirit of “Freedom for All” and conveyed a message of unity, equality and respect for all citizens of Pakistan.
The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting national harmony, protecting equal rights and encouraging every community to contribute to the development and prosperity of Pakistan.
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