Flag-hoisting ceremony held in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (PAN): A Janda Bala (flag-hoisting) ceremony, marking Afghan New Year, was held in the northern province of Balkh on Tuesday.

Organised amid stringent security arrangements, the event attracted a large number of Afghans from different provinces, senior government officials and foreign envoys.

The flag was hoisted at about 10:45am after provincial officials delivered speeches and the national anthem was played.

First Vice President Mohammad Qasim Fahim, Governor Atta Mohammad Noor and ambassadors of several countries were among the participants.

Noor said several development projects were completed last year and more than 9,000 orchards would be set up in the province during the current year.

Fahim congratulated hoped the conflict would end this Afghan year. He insisted on national unity  for bringing peace to the country.

frm/mud