The day dawned with 31 gun salutes in the federal and 21 gun salutes in the provincial capitals.

It is a public holiday throughout the country.

The main event of the day was a flag hoisting ceremony at Convention Center in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was the chief guest.

Flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held at the provincial capitals and district headquarters besides other important national institutions.

All major public and private buildings, roads and avenues have been decorated with national flags, portraits of the national leaders, banners and buntings to give a festive look.

 

Main ceremony in Islamabad

 

The main ceremony of Independence Day is in progress at the convention center in Islamabad.

President Mamnoon Hussain, who is the chief guest on the occasion, along with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hoisted the national flag.

The services chiefs and the federal ministers are attending the ceremony.

 

Quaid’s mausoleum

 

Impressive change of guards ceremonies were held at mausoleums of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah this morning.

Floral wreaths were laid at the graves of both the national leaders.

In Lahore, Pakistan Army 2-Baloch Regiment took over the charge from Punjab Rangers.

And a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Navy Cadets assumed guard duty at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.

 

President’s speech

 

President Mamnoon Hussain has emphatically stated that no compromise will be made on the security and defence of the country.

Addressing the flag hoisting ceremony in connection with Independence Day celebrations at Convention Center in Islamabad today, he regretted the recent acts of aggression on the eastern borders. He made it clear that Pakistan desires peaceful coexistence with all the neighboring countries including India but any threat to its security will be thwarted.

The President said the government is pursuing a bold and effective foreign policy as a result of which its image has improved in the comity of nations.

Mamnoon Hussain pointed out that Pakistan is in the midst of a war against terrorism. The terrorists and those working on the agenda of foreign enemies are trying to sabotage the peace in the country. He however, said the government and the armed forces have launched a robust campaign against them, which has started showing positive results. He declared that this campaign against terrorists will continue till elimination of the menace.

 

British envoy also wishes Pakistan on Independence Day

 

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Philip Barton wished all Pakistanis Independence Day. In his Twitter message, he also quoted an excerpt from Allama Iqbal’s poem in his message.

 

---

 

#AzadiMubarak