MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): A traditional flag-hoisting ceremony marking the Afghan New Year was held in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, on Tuesday.
Tens of thousands of people, including national and international dignitaries, attended the ceremony at the Hazrat Ali (RA) mausoleum in the city amidst stringent security.
The flag-hoisting, called Janda Bala ceremony in the local parlance, took place at 10.15am after a six-gun salute. Second Vice-President Mohammad Sarwar Danish was among the participants.
