SANA

LAHORE (SANA): In order to pay homage to the national poet Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal, a change of guard ceremony was held at the Mazar-e-Iqbal in a befitting manner and a smartly turned Pak Navy contingent assumed duties, here on Monday.

Pakistan Navy contingent formed up outside the Mazar while the contingent of Pakistan Rangers, which performs guard duties at the Mazar round the year, also took positions alongside. Both the outgoing and incoming guards’ contingents were inspected by Captain Akbar Naqi, Station Commander (Navy) Lahore.

Marching to the tunes played by the Pakistan Navy band, the Naval contingent took positions at the four corners of the Mazar while simultaneously, Rangers were ceremoniously moved out by their Officer In charge.

The Naval contingent, which took over the guard duties on Monday, belonged to the Navy’s Islamabad based establishment.

The ceremonial guard mounting followed by floral wreath laying at the Mazar of Allama Iqbal by Commodore Syed Hasan Mustafa SI(M), Commander North, on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, officers and men of the Pakistan Navy .

Later, Commander North offered Fateha for Dr Muhammad Iqbal.

Both the ceremonies were witnessed by a large number of senior civil officials, school children and general public which thronged the Mazar to pay homage to the great philosopher and poet of the east on the eve of his birth anniversary, says ISPR handout.