Chitral, August 14, 2025: Chitral Upper and Lower celebrated the 78th Independence Day and Ma’araka-e-Haq with zeal and enthusiasm.
In Booni, the headquarters of the Upper Chitral district, the Tehsil Municipal Administration Mastuj opened the Independence Day Polo Tournament at Booni Polo Ground.
Deputy Commissioner Upper Chitral, Haseeb-ur-Rehman Khan Khalil, inaugurated the event. Senior officials, including the District Police Officer, Additional Deputy Commissioner General, Assistant Commissioners, Chairman Tehsil Council Mastuj, and Tehsil Municipal Officer Mastuj, attended the tournament.
Thousands of polo enthusiasts and players joined. The ceremony began with a flag hoisting.
In Lower Chitral, Deputy Commissioner Rao Hashim Azim celebrated the day with children with special needs.
He cut the Independence Day cake with them and shared stories of the sacrifices made by ancestors for a free homeland. He said that children with special needs are an important part of society.
He also assured full support from the district administration for their welfare and empowerment.
A musical night at the Governor’s Cottage, Chitral, highlighted local culture. Local and renowned artists performed and celebrated patriotism and unity. Awards were also given to artists by the district administration.
The audience enjoyed the vibrant performances and expressed love for their homeland.
Educational Institutions Hold Colorful Functions
Independence Day celebrations were also held in educational institutions across Chitral, including the Centennial Model School for Boys in Chitral town and Govt High School Rumbur in Kalash valley.
Students and teachers participated enthusiastically in flag hoisting ceremonies, patriotic songs, and speeches highlighting the significance of freedom and the sacrifices made by national heroes.
The atmosphere was filled with pride and unity as the national flag waved high across school and college campuses.
In addition to formal ceremonies, various cultural programs were organized, including traditional dances, poetry recitations, and art exhibitions depicting the country’s rich heritage.
Students showcased their creativity through posters and essays emphasizing national unity and progress, making the day both educational and inspiring.
These celebrations not only strengthened the sense of patriotism among the younger generation but also fostered a spirit of community.
Parents and local residents joined in the festivities, creating an environment of collective pride and enthusiasm for the nation’s achievements and future.
Social Welfare Department
Social Welfare Department Lower Chitral celebrated Independence Day with a lively function at the Center for Children with Mental and Physical Disabilities.
Deputy Commissioner Rao Hashim Azim on the occasion told children at the function that courage and highlighted that freedom’s true essence lies in service, sacrifice, and love.
District Officer Khizar Hayat stressed that the day reminds us of unity, peace, and inclusion, and that society is strongest when every individual is treated equally.
A similar celebration was held at Darul Aman, where resident women and children participated in patriotic songs and ended the program with cake-cutting and a special lunch.