(MENAFN- NewsBytes)
Pakistan hoists largest national flag on 70th Independence Day
14 Aug 2017
Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa hoisted the country's largest flag in the history at midnight on Attari-Wagah Border near Lahore to mark the 70th Independence Day.
The flag at a 400ft height is the highest national flag in South Asia.
Despite the ongoing tensions, the Pakistani side reportedly presented sweets to the Indian side at Attari-Wagah Border on the occasion.
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Gen. Bajwa speaks on the occasion
Fact
Bajwa said: "Some 77 years ago, Pakistan resolution was passed in the same city (Lahore). Pakistan came into being on the night of 27th Ramadan. Today, the country is progressing on the path of the law and the Constitution. All institutions are working properly."
Gen. Bajwa on hoisting the largest national flag
National Flag
Kicking off Independence Day festivities at midnight, Gen. Bajwa said the national flag is the symbol of Pakistan's dignity.
The 120x80 feet flag on a 400ft pole is the eighth highest national flag in the world.
He praised and congratulated Pakistani Army's arrangements for the hoisting ceremony.
Addressing the nation, Bajwa said, "We will make Pakistan the country of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal."
India hoisted 360ft tall flag
Fact
Pakistan reportedly planned for the largest flag after India hoisted its 360ft flag in Mar'17 at Attari. However, strong winds tore apart the Indian flag after which it was replaced four times. India re-hoisted the flag on 13 Aug after a few months' gap.
Bajwa warns terrorists and enemies in his address
Address
Bajwa said Pakistan "rendered many sacrifices" and the martyrs will never be forgotten; other officials also paid tributes to those killed during partition.
In a strong message to enemies in "the east or the west", Bajwa said, "Your bullets will end but not the chests of our jawans."
He added "each and every" terrorist in the country will be executed.
We will never let you down: Bajwa to people
Fact
Acknowledging Pakistan's internal and external challenges, Bajwa said: "Any power that will aim to weaken Pakistan, the Army, and all other institutions will foil their attempts. We will foil the nefarious designs of anyone, who will try to cast an evil eye on Pakistan."
Pakistan desires positive and constructive relations: PM Abbasi
PM's Address
Pakistani PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said they want to have "positive and constructive relations" with all the countries, especially the neighbors.
Abbasi's statement comes as tensions rise between India and Pakistan amid cross-border infiltrations and ceasefire violations from Pakistan.
The Indo-Pak relations deteriorated after a series of incidents in the recent years, including the Pathankot attack, Uri attack, and Kulbhushan Jadhav's case.
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