
Free plants handed out for Independence Day
Citizens received free plants at Liberty Chowk and Jail Road, while bicycle carts and mobile camps are delivering plants to various locations across Lahore.
PHA Director General Mansoor Ahmad said the initiative aims to promote environmental awareness alongside the spirit of Independence Day.
"This drive highlights the importance of tree plantation and encourages citizens to contribute to building a green Pakistan," he added.
The distribution will continue until Thursday evening.
In addition, the city has been decorated for the occasion and major roads are illuminated with green and white lights. Electric lighting adorns all underpasses and decorated floats featuring national images are moving through city streets.
A painting competition for young artists will also be organised at the National History Museum.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Armed Forces congratulates nation on 78th Independence Day
The armed forces are celebrating Pakistan's 78th Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervour today (August 14) with activities planned across the country. The day's festivities began with celebratory messages to the people from service chiefs of the armed forces. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, on behalf of the Armed Forces, extended felicitations to the nation on Pakistan's78th Independence Day. 'As we pay homage to our founding fathers, we honor their indomitable spirit, resolute determination, and unparalleled sacrifices under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, sacrifices that paved the way for independence. Their courage, foresight and unshakeable faith in the cause of freedom remain an enduring beacon of guidance,' read a statement issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). 'The unbreakable bond between the Armed Forces and the people is the cornerstone of our collective strength. On this Independence Day, let us renew our resolve to strive for peace, progress, and unity, upholding the ideals of Faith, Unity, and Discipline to realize the dream of a resilient, prosperous, and progressive Pakistan,' the statement added. The Pakistan Air Force's annual flypast featuring featuring fighter jets was slated for 1.30pm today. A Change of Guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi to mark Independence Day anniversary. Cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy assumed duties of ceremonial guards at the mausoleum, a tradition observed every year on August 14. The Pakistan Navy's ceremonial guard comprised two contingents — one of sailors and the other of cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy. The sailors' platoon was led by Lieutenant Ali Hassan, while the cadets' platoon was commanded by Chief Cadet Captain Muhammad Zain. Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Tassawar Iqbal was the chief guest, while parade commander duties were performed by Lieutenant Commander Samiullah. The Pakistan Navy guards presented a national salute to Quaid-e-Azam, after which the chief guest inspected the newly deployed guards. Commodore Tassawar Iqbal laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum, offered Fateha and recorded his remarks in the visitors' book.


Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Free plants handed out for Independence Day
The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has launched a citywide free plant distribution campaign as part of Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq celebrations. Citizens received free plants at Liberty Chowk and Jail Road, while bicycle carts and mobile camps are delivering plants to various locations across Lahore. PHA Director General Mansoor Ahmad said the initiative aims to promote environmental awareness alongside the spirit of Independence Day. "This drive highlights the importance of tree plantation and encourages citizens to contribute to building a green Pakistan," he added. The distribution will continue until Thursday evening. In addition, the city has been decorated for the occasion and major roads are illuminated with green and white lights. Electric lighting adorns all underpasses and decorated floats featuring national images are moving through city streets. A painting competition for young artists will also be organised at the National History Museum.


Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Record surge in divorce reunions
The number of meetings between divorced parents and their estranged children has reached record levels in Rawalpindi, with 30 to 40 such reunions now taking place daily at the judicial complex's special facilitation centres. Often accompanied by grandparents, uncles, and aunts, most of these children live with their mothers, while many fathers have remarried. Court permission from a family judge is required for these meetings, after which a specific day and time are allotted. The special meeting centre, located opposite the district and sessions judge's court, can accommodate four to six families at a time. When numbers exceed capacity, visitors wait in sweltering heat without a dedicated waiting area or drinking water. A public cooler has been broken for months, forcing visitors to buy bottled water. During rain, families wait in corridors or verandas. Meetings run from 10am to 3pm, lasting 40 to 50 minutes. However, some extend to 90 minutes if court staff are tipped. Emotional scenes are common. Children receive gifts, toys, food, and cash from visiting parents. Four to five years ago, such meetings were held only two or three times a month, later becoming weekly, and now daily, reflecting a sharp rise in divorce cases. One father, Muhammad Nadeem, who has three children with his first wife, said the meetings are emotionally painful and urged couples in disputes to reconcile before it's too late. "This anger will harm you, and your children will suffer," he warned. Background A record number of new family disputes were filed in Rawalpindi's family courts during the first quarter of 2025, from January 1 to March 31. A total of 1,451 new cases were registered, including disputes over alimony, child custody, dower (Haq Mehr), and return of dowry items. Additionally, 41 husbands approached the courts seeking orders to bring back estranged wives who had left their homes. For the first time, 21 Christian women also filed for divorce following legal reforms that now allow Christian women to seek divorce or separation without going through the previously required and complex process of annulment. During the three-month period, the courts issued 106 divorce decrees on the basis of khula (separation initiated by the wife) and ordered 310 husbands or fathers to pay expenses for their wives and children. Courts also ordered the reunification of 13 estranged couples and returned 75 children from paternal custody to their mothers. According to court sources, five to eight new family cases are being filed daily, sometimes reaching up to 15 to 20 cases per day. The courts also helped reconcile 55 couples, resulting in case dismissals. Family law advocates cited the rise in social media use; Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Messenger, and YouTube; as a major contributing factor to the breakdown of marriages. The availability of modern smartphones to teenagers has reportedly led to a 50 per cent increase in elopements and love marriages.