LAHORE: Senior Provincial Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb hoisted the national flag at the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS) on the occasion of Independence Day and prayed for the security, prosperity and progress of Pakistan.

Addressing the gathering, Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Pakistan’s independence was the result of the countless sacrifices made by our forefathers and the blood of our martyrs. “Protecting and preserving this great legacy is a national responsibility shared by all of us,” she said.

She said that the people of Pakistan had made unparalleled sacrifices for the achievement of independence in 1947, while after independence, people from every segment of society had continued to make sacrifices for the defence, security and sovereignty of the country.

“We pay tribute to our martyrs and Ghazis whose sacrifices have enabled us to celebrate Independence Day today in a free atmosphere,” she said, adding that after achieving independence, protecting and safeguarding that freedom was now a collective national responsibility.

The Senior Provincial Minister paid tribute to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and said that under his leadership, Pakistan had further strengthened its resolve to defend its sovereignty, national dignity and national interests at the international level.

She congratulated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his entire team for effectively projecting Pakistan’s position and national dignity at the international level.

Marriyum Aurangzeb also paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces for their commendable role in safeguarding the country’s defence, security and national sovereignty.

“On the victory in Marka-e-Haq, I pay tribute to all our soldiers for their courage and sacrifices,” she said, adding that Pakistan was currently playing an important role in promoting peace and stability in the world.

She said that the real strength of Pakistan lay in unity, sacrifice, equality, brotherhood, tolerance and national solidarity. “Our country can move forward only through unity and peace,” she added.

The Senior Provincial Minister said that Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan was a country where every citizen, without discrimination, enjoyed equal rights, dignity and opportunities.

“Regardless of religion, colour, race or language, every Pakistani is an equal partner in the country’s development and prosperity,” she said.

She stressed that the spirit of freedom demanded that people rise above differences and promote brotherhood, tolerance and unity.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the journey of public service, development and prosperity was being accelerated across the province.

She said that special attention was being given to hospitals and the healthcare system in every city of Punjab to ensure better and modern healthcare facilities for the people.

The Senior Provincial Minister paid tribute to the doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, Executive Director and Principal of the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences for their performance and dedication.

She said that all hospital services were functioning in an excellent manner and providing state-of-the-art public services to patients.

Marriyum Aurangzeb also appreciated the performance of Provincial Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique and said that a healthy nation was the guarantee of a strong and developed Pakistan.

She said that doctors, nurses and healthcare workers were playing a vital role in serving the nation and appreciated their dedication and professional services.

The Senior Provincial Minister further said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had approved a new scanning machine for the hospital, which would help provide improved diagnostic facilities to patients.

She said that the Punjab government was committed to strengthening the healthcare system and providing quality medical services to citizens across the province.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the youth were the future of Pakistan and called upon them to come forward and play an active role in the country’s development and progress.

She said that Independence Day was a day of renewed commitment and loyalty to the motherland. “We must pledge to play our part in building a strong, prosperous, peaceful and united Pakistan,” she added.

The Senior Provincial Minister said that Pakistan was a great blessing from Allah Almighty and urged the nation to value, protect and strengthen this precious blessing through unity and collective efforts.

She prayed for the security, stability, progress and prosperity of Pakistan and once again congratulated the entire nation on Independence Day.

“Happy Independence Day to the entire nation. May Pakistan remain safe, peaceful, prosperous and strong.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026