Mazar-i-Sharif poised to celebrate Independence Day

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Local officials on Saturday said all needed measures have been taken for celebration of the Independence Day in northern Balkh province.

Residents of Mazar-I-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, are installing the Afghanistan national flag and pictures of King Amanullah Khan on public roads.

Mazar-i-Sharif residents say are more enthusiastic this year compared to the previous year about celebrating the Independence Day that falls on August 19.

Balkh information and culture officials also say they are ready to mark the 99^th Independence Day of Afghanistan by arranging different programs such as Attan (local dance), music, poems and others.

Provincial information and culture director Saleh Mohammad Khaliq told Pajhwok Afghan News that the governor’s house had geared up preparations for an official ceremony to celebrate August 19.

He said many artistic and cultural programs like poetic sessions, music and a theatre program besides showcasing portraits of King Amanullah Khan on the Independence Day.

Besides the government, the people have also made preparations for the important day.

Zabihullah Ihsas, head of the Literature Movement in Balkh, said they had also made preparations for the Independence Day.

He said they had installed big national flags on different roads of Mazar-i-Sharif and had invited others to join the campaign.

Civil society activist, Ghulam Rassoul Malakzai, said the Independence Day would be celebrated with traditional zeal and more participation of people compared to the past.

He asked security organs to put in place tight security measures so people felt safe during the celebrations. Malakzai also asked the people to cooperate with security forces in improving security.

mds/ma