Punjab Youth Festival 2014 colours spread in Lahore as CM formally inaugurates

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif formally inaugurated Punjab Youth Festival 2014 at National Hockey Stadium, here today, after which, the colourful ceremonies of the festival started. Ambassadors of 14 countries, Provincial Minister for Education and Sports Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Members National and Provincial Assembly, intellectuals and prominent personalities of different walks of life were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister was given a standing ovation when he reached the stadium. The Chief Minister responded to the slogans of the participants by waiving his hand. He also took part in the world record of waiving national flag and took part in the event for more than seven minutes along with other participants.

Congratulating the nation on setting the world record, the Chief Minister said that the Youth Festival has become a movement and is promoting a soft image of Pakistan. He said participation of foreign diplomats in the festival is a proof of the fact that Pakistan has no relationship with extremism and the people of the country believe in tolerance and restraint.

Shahbaz Sharif said that he can foresee a bright future of Pakistan. He also announced formal inauguration of provincial level contests of Punjab Youth Festival. The players formed various formations at which the Chief Minister appreciated them by clapping. The players also formed a human tower. A display of firework was also arranged while the balloons were released in the air and the stadium resounded with the slogans of Pakistan Zindabad. The players also presented march past. An Indian contingent of players especially participated in the ceremony of Youth Festival.