The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) celebrated Independence Day.

FAISALABAD, Aug 14: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) celebrated Independence Day with traditional zeal and enthusiasm on Friday, with the national flag hoisted at Iqbal Auditorium and speakers paying tribute to the sacrifices of the nation’s leaders, people and armed forces while reaffirming their commitment to Pakistan’s progress through agriculture and education. The day dawned with the prayers for the development of the country at Central Mosque. The national flag was jointly hoisted by Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairperson Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali at Iqbal Auditorium UAF, amid patriotic slogans and national songs. They said Independence Day is not merely an occasion to celebrate freedom but also a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by the Muslims of the subcontinent under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the intellectual guidance of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan paid tribute to the people and armed forces for their sacrifices in defending the country and said the nation owed an enduring debt to those who had laid down their lives for Pakistan’s sovereignty and security. He said the spirit of independence demanded unity, discipline, hard work and a collective commitment to national development. He said universities had a special responsibility in nation-building as they produced the scientists, researchers, professionals and leaders who would shape the country’s future. He said being the agrarian economy, Pakistan’s future was closely linked with the strength of its agricultural sector, stressing that universities had a pivotal role in transforming agriculture through research, innovation and human-resource development. He lauded UAF’s contribution to the country’s agricultural development and said the university’s international recognition was a reflection of the quality of its research, academic programmes and contribution to agricultural sciences. Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said the freedom enjoyed by Pakistan had been achieved through extraordinary sacrifices and we have to progress through knowledge, unity and responsible citizenship. Paying tribute to Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal, he said their vision of a progressive, prosperous and independent Pakistan should remain a guiding principle for the younger generation. He paid tribute to the armed forces for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to defending the country, saying their courage and dedication remained a source of pride and inspiration for the nation He said UAF would continue to work as a centre of excellence for agricultural research and education and help address challenges related to food security, climate change, water scarcity and sustainable agricultural production. He called upon students to acquire knowledge, develop a spirit of innovation and devote their abilities to solving Pakistan’s social and economic challenges. He remembered the services of the country’s martyrs and paid tribute to citizens who had contributed to Pakistan’s development in different fields. He said the spirit of August 14 would be translated into practical efforts for a stronger, and economically prosperous Pakistan, with education, research and agriculture serving. They also planted a sapling while Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali gave a laptop to Zumar Fatima who clichéd third position in the Faisalabad Board Matriculation Examination 2026 (Science Group) with an outstanding score of 1188 out of 1200 marks. The ceremony also featured colorful performances by students of the Senior Tutor Office and Laboratory School, who presented national songs and other programs reflecting the country’s cultural diversity and patriotic spirit.