The first Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul container train referred to as ECO Train was launched into  operation today (Friday) concurrent with the anniversary of Pakistan’s independence, and in the presence of Pakistani officials and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states’ railway authorities. Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul railway is 6,500 kilometers in length, of which 2,570 kilometers, and 2,006 kilometers are respectively located in Iran and Turkey, with the rest of the railway located in Pakistan’s soil. It takes ECO Train almost 15 days to cover the distance from Islamabad to Istanbul, which is half the period it takes to cover this distance through the naval route. ECO has ten member states, namely: Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan Republic, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. It is an active regional economic organization, which, during the recent years, has placed infrastructure development on its agenda for expansion of member states’ exchanges and interactions. According to ECO charter, this organization strives for improvement of conditions to set the stage for sustainable economic development of member states. Transportation and energy sectors, in addition to facilitation of trade, are three important fields of cooperation among ECO member states. Given the importance of transportation industry in economic growth and development; the launch of Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul railway into operation will certainly help promote member states’ economic exchanges. The transportation sector as the foundation and pre-requisite for development is key to materialization of communities’ potentials. With the transportation of cargo and passengers, the transportation sector establishes a strong bond among different growth and development factors and swiftly reinforces the countries’ economic, social, and cultural sectors. From this angle, the launch of ECO Train into operation shows that this organization is taking decisive steps for reinforcement of its status in the region and across the world that can lead to materialization of this organization’s elevated goals, especially within the framework of ECO 2015 perspective plan. Meanwhile, the South and Central Asian regions are grappling with numerous challenges including radicalism. Pundits believe one of the main reasons behind this situation is underdevelopment and poverty. The development of transportation industry can set the stage for economic prosperity; can pave the way for reinforcement of regional economy; and can therefore minimize the radicals’ activities; while boosting the cooperation and convergence of countries for withstanding other challenges, such as: occupation, drug and arms trafficking, and economic challenges. Moreover, undoubtedly, promotion of rail transportation among ECO member states, and enhancement of rail transportation sector’s competitiveness vis-à-vis naval and ground transportation systems, calls for further measures by governments, especially in regard to tariffs, that can in turn herald a development in volume of exchanges among ECO member states in the near future. Furthermore, expansion of rail transportation system among ECO member states lays the ground for enhancement of this organization’s interactions and links with other countries, and organizations in regions such as East and South Asia and Europe.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (APP): The whole nation celebrated its 63^rd Independence Day on Friday with traditional zeal, fervour and renewed commitment to make Pakistan a stronger, progressive and prosperous country. It was a public holiday and the day dawned with special prayers in mosques for the progress, prosperity and solidarity of the country. Celebrations began with a 31‑gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21‑gun salute in all the four provincial capitals.  At 7:58am all vehicular traffic halted for two minutes with sounds of sirens filling the air while national anthem was played at 8am.

A large number of colourful events were held across the country to celebrate the Independence Day in a befitting manner and pay homage to those who offered greater sacrifices to create an independent motherland.

The main event of the day was a flag‑hoisting ceremony in the Federal Capital where Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani unfurled the national flag.

The Prime Minister, in his address, spoke on a host of issues including the challenges faced by Pakistan, terrorism, economy, power crisis, democracy as well as the foreign policy.

Upon the issue of terrorism he was emphatic by saying “I want to reiterate that we are not scared of the terrorists. We will eliminate their oppression and barbarity through our determination and courage.”

He credited the nation for showing unity and solidarity against terrorism which bolstered the courage of armed forces who confronted the extremists and defeated them.

A simple but impressive change of the guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid‑e‑Mohammed Ali Jinnah in Karachi.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat‑ul‑Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah performed the flag hoisting ceremony and later placed wreath at the Quaid’s Mazar and offered fateha.

Similarly, flag hoisting ceremonies were held in other provincial capitals. NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti hoisted national flag at Malik Saad Shaheed police line while Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif attended a flag hoisting ceremony at Hazoori Bagh.

Chief Minister Nawab Mohammad Aslam Raisani unfurled the national flag in Quetta.

They stressed upon the nation to work ceaselessly to achieve the goals sets by the Founder of the Nation.

They said nation always proved that it was united in all trying times and would continue to do so.

The morale boosting events were seen in Swat valley where according to media reports, a large number of people in Mingora city and other areas took out celebration processions. They expressed their pleasure and jubilation without any fear of militants and terrorists.

They also paid tributes to the security forces for restoring peace to the area.

All the government and private buildings throughout the country were exquisitively illuminated whereas people have decorated their houses, shopping centres and offices with national flags, banners, lightings, paintings, buntings and balloons.

A large number of rallies, processions and colourful functions were arranged under the aegis of different public and private sector, social and political organisations in all small and major towns and cities of the country.

Speakers highlighted the significance of the day and future goals under Quaid’s ideals of “Unity, Faith and Discipline”.

In the Federal Capital, the main celebrations included various folk musical performances. Photographic exhibition were the other major features of the day.

Young people in separate groups took out to streets with their vehicles and bikes decorated with national flags. Mounting on vehicles, they played national anthems and chanted slogans.

The traffic on Shaheed Benazir Bhutto road in Rawalpindi moved at slow paced in the evening as the jubilant crowds were seen patrolling different areas, waving national flags to express their patriotism spirit.

Unprecedented number of families were also seen thronging the main recreational spots and parks of the twin cities.

Children remained the most busy people by setting fire works and exploding crackers to vent their happiness.

The electronic and print media had also planned comprehensive and information programmes.

The electronic media presented day‑long programmes, including national songs, talk shows, dramas and children programmes to highlight the significance of the Day.

The print media brought out special supplements containing features and articles, highlighting the sacrifices rendered by nation’s forefathers.