Special prayers offered in mosques at dawn for peace, solidarity, and prosperity of the country
Pakistan is celebrating 71 years since independence today with traditional fervour and enthusiasm.
As the clock struck midnight, fireworks began across the country while buildings were lit up to celebrate Independence Day.
The morning dawned with a 31 gun salute in the federal capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial headquarters.
Fatiha was offered at Quaid's Mausoleum in Karachi
A change of guard ceremony was held at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi and Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore, where cadets of Pakistan Navy took charge of their duties. Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Waqar Muhammad was the chief guest at the ceremony.
Special prayers were offered in mosques at dawn for peace, solidarity, and prosperity of the country and for the resolution of the long-standing issue of Kashmir.
Attendees wave Pakistan´s national flag while singing national songs at a ceremony to celebrate the country´s 71st Independence Day at the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, Pakistan August 14, 2018. Photo: Reuters
Members of the Pakistan´s Naval force march during a ceremony to celebrate the country´s 71st Independence Day at the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, Pakistan August 14, 2018. Photo: Reuters
Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar arrives to lay floral wreath at Quaids mausoleum during a ceremony to mark Independence Day of Pakistan. Photo: Online
University of Karachi students celebrate with a large national flag ahead of the upcoming Independence Day in Karachi on August 13, 2018. Pakistan will celebrate the 71th anniversary of the country´s independence from British rule on August 14. Photo: AFP
A picture taken on August 12, 2018 shows a building decorated with the Pakistani national flag and illuminated for the Pakistan´s Independence day in Lahore, on August 14. Pakistan will celebrate the 71th anniversary of the country´s independence from British rule on August 14. Photo: AFP
A man rides on a motorbike with a national flag ahead of the country´s Independence Day in Islamabad, Pakistan August 13, 2018. Photo: Reuters
A child is carrying Pakistani flag at the road side stall to mark the Pakistan Independence Day. Photo: APP
A large number of national flag on displayed along the Islamabad Express Way to attract the customers to mark the Pakistan Independence Day. Photo: APP
Members of the Islamabad Devcom Centennial Leo Club (IDCLC) planting saplings at blue area green belt to mark the Pakistan Independence Day. Photo: APP
A beautiful illuminated view of Supreme Court of Pakistan Karachi Registry building in the connection of Pakistan Independence Day coming ahead, in Karachi on Monday, August 13, 2018. Photo: PPI
A beautiful illuminated view of Government Buildings in the connection of Pakistan Independence Day coming ahead, in Quetta on Monday, August 13, 2018. Photo: PPI
Fine art students busy in painting on wall to show their skills during fine art demonstration in connection of Independence Day celebration coming ahead, in Hyderabad on Monday, August 13, 2018. Photo: PPI
Students of different educational institutions are holding demonstration rally in connection of Independence Day celebration coming ahead, held in Multan on Monday, August 13, 2018. Photo: PPI
Released Pakistani prisoners gesture as they cross the India-Pakistan border in Wagah, about 35kms from Amritsar on August 13, 2018. As a goodwill gesture the Indian government released 7 Pakistani nationals it was holding in prison and Pakistan released 29 Indian fishermen including 3 Indian nationals, imprisoned for fishing in Pakistan territorial waters, officials said. Photo: AFP
University of Karachi students celebrate with a large national flag ahead of the upcoming Independence Day in Karachi on August 13, 2018. Pakistan will celebrate the 71th anniversary of the country´s independence from British rule on August 14. Photo: AFP
University of Karachi students gesture as they celebrate ahead of the upcoming Independence Day in Karachi, on August 13. Pakistan will celebrate the 71th anniversary of the country´s independence from British rule on August 14. Photo: AFP
In educational institutions, exhibitions, declamation contests, national songs, competitions and tableau shows are being held to mark the day.
At 8:59am, sirens were sounded and the moving traffic came to a halt as a mark of national solidarity.
President urges harmony for progress
The highlight of the celebrations was a national flag-hoisting ceremony held at Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. President Mamnoon Hussain, the chief guest, addressed the ceremony on the auspicious occasion.
The president urged the nation to rise above its personal and factional differences and follow the Quaid's vision and principles for a prosperous Pakistan.
Underlining the need for harmony in the society for progress, he said a strong, developed and democratic Pakistan is our goal.
President Mamnoon shaking hands with dignitaries at flag-hoisting ceremony
President Mamnoon remarked that the decisions in the country which were achieved through a democratic struggle will also be taken through the power of vote.
He urged for awareness of youth and next generations about the sacrifices rendered by our ancestors for the freedom of our motherland.
He said the political leaders, intellectuals and the media will also have to play their role for promotion of unity and steer the country out of current challenges.
The president paid tribute to the sacrifices of the sons and daughters of the soil in establishing peace in the country, and reiterated Pakistan's unswerving political and moral support for Kashmiris in Indian-occupied valley.
Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasir-ul-Mulk, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other foreign and local dignitaries were also in attendance.
