Islamabad, August 14 (TNS): Pakistan celebrates its 71 years of independence today with added vigour and enthusiasm.
31 gun salute in the federal capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial headquarters took place in the morning to pay tribute to the martyrs who made sacrifice for this country.
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.
In educational institutions, exhibitions, declamation contests, national songs, competitions and are being held to mark the celebrations of the day.
The highlight of the celebrations was a national flag-hoisting ceremony held at Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
Chief guest, President Mamnoon Hussain addressed the ceremony on the occasion.
The president urged the nation to rise above its personal and differences and follow the Quaid’s principles for a prosperous Pakistan.
Political leaders, intellectuals and the media will also have to play their role to 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.
On the auspicious occasion of Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasir-ul-Mulk, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, were also present.
