RAWALPINDI (special crosspondent) – A prestigious flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) to commemorate Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, featuring Coordinator to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, as the chief guest.

RCCI President Usman Shaukat, supported by his leadership team, extended a warm welcome to the chief guest and a host of distinguished attendees. The event was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of Spain, Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna, and the Chairman of Tehreek-e-Jawanan Pakistan (TJP), Mohammad Abdullah Gul. The proceedings were also attended by Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, various former presidents, Executive Committee members, and a substantial gathering of RCCI members. As the nation focuses on industrial growth, such platforms serve to promote Pakistan’s global image.

Independence Day Commemorations

The ceremony featured a ceremonial cake-cutting to honor the national milestone. A highlight of the event was the presentation of a locally manufactured football, produced in Pakistan for the FIFA World Cup, to the Spanish Ambassador. This symbolic gesture underscored Pakistan’s robust manufacturing capabilities and its steadfast commitment to fostering international trade relations, echoing similar sentiments found in discussions regarding international economic cooperation.

Address by the Chief Guest

In his keynote address, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan commended the RCCI for its instrumental role in providing technical support to the government on fiscal and budgetary matters, which he noted is vital for strengthening the nation’s economic foundations. He observed that despite overcoming severe economic hurdles, the country is now demonstrating significant momentum across diverse sectors, with a particular focus on the booming information technology landscape.

Highlighting the strategic direction of the current administration, he articulated that the Prime Minister’s Vision 2047 serves as a roadmap toward a prosperous, self-reliant, and globally competitive Pakistan. He emphasized that the national agenda must remain anchored in youth empowerment, job creation, regional stability, and sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, he noted that the global community is increasingly acknowledging Pakistan’s untapped economic potential, a development that aligns with broader efforts to bolster the national digital and technology-enabled economy.