The Pakistan American Cultural Center (PACC), in collaboration with Lions International, District 305-S, organised a special ceremony to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, with speakers calling on young people to contribute to the country’s development and uphold the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
District Governor Lions International 305-S Shakeel Ahmed Khan attended the ceremony as the chief guest. PACC President Syed Makhdoom Ali Riaz, Senior Vice Chairperson District Governor Lion Safia Hassan, members of the PACC Governing Board and other prominent personalities also participated.
The ceremony featured a flag-hoisting ceremony and a musical performance that received an enthusiastic response from the audience. Senior journalist Muhammad Afsar Imran, Nusrat Ali, Zafar Iqbal and other guests also attended.
PACC President Calls on Youth to Serve Pakistan
Speaking at the ceremony, PACC President Syed Makhdoom Ali Riaz welcomed District Governor Shakeel Ahmed Khan and said his participation encouraged newly inducted Lions Club members.
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He highlighted the welfare services carried out by Lions Clubs across Pakistan, including distributing clothing and essential items among deserving people.
Riaz also said PACC has served the community since 1959 through education and cultural programmes. The centre offers language courses, computer education and other educational programmes alongside cultural activities.
Calling on young people and students to contribute to Pakistan’s progress, he said the country needed its youth to turn patriotic sentiments into practical service.
‘Youth Are the Greatest Asset’
Lions District Governor Shakeel Ahmed Khan said Independence Day represented more than a date in history, describing it as a symbol of national identity, self-respect and freedom.
He paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal for their vision and leadership. He also paid homage to the martyrs and generations whose sacrifices contributed to the creation of Pakistan.
Khan emphasised the importance of youth in shaping the country’s future.
“Youth are the asset of our country; we must carry forward the vision of Quaid-e-Azam,” he said.
He called for quality education, proper guidance and greater opportunities for young people, saying the next generation would eventually take responsibility for leading the country.
Lions International Highlights Humanitarian Work
Khan said joining the Lions Club was not merely about making commitments but about serving humanity through practical action.
He said Lions International, established in 1917, now has more than 1.5 million members involved in humanitarian work worldwide. Its activities include education, healthcare, hunger relief, environmental initiatives, self-employment and other community welfare programmes.
He said Lions Clubs remained committed to the principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline and would continue serving communities in line with these values.
Khan concluded his address by raising slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad!” and “Lions Club Paindabad!”
Safia Hassan Appreciates Participants
Senior Vice Chairperson District Governor Lion Safia Hassan thanked the distinguished guests and participants for contributing to the ceremony’s success.
She appreciated PACC President Syed Makhdoom Ali Riaz, Lions Club members, participants from the South Zone and Hyderabad, and everyone involved in organising the event.
She said the collective participation and cooperation of the attendees made the Independence Day ceremony memorable.
