The nation celebrates Independence Day today with traditional zeal and fervor pledging afresh to make the country a true Islamic welfare state as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The day dawned with 31 gun salutes in the federal and 21 gun salutes in the provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered after Fajr prayers for prosperity, integrity and solidarity of the country, unity of the Muslim Ummah and success of the long-drawn freedom movement of the Kashmiris.
It is a public holiday throughout the country.
The main event of the day will be a flag hoisting ceremony at Convention Center in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will be the chief guest. It will be followed by the address of the Prime Minister to the nation.
Flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held at the provincial capitals and district headquarters besides other important national institutions.
A host of events, including seminars, conferences, lecturers, debates, speech contests, exhibitions, quiz competitions, stage dramas and Mushairas have been arranged by different organizations in connection with the Independence Day.
Meanwhile, 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.
Radio Pakistan will broadcast a special full day transmission on the Independence Day. Radio Pakistan’s News and Current Affairs Channel has planned a special marathon Independence Day transmission from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. today.
Eminent personalities from different walks of life will highlight different facets of Pakistan Movement.
Pakistan Movement activists, historians, parliamentarians, top achievers in the fields of sports, literary figures, intellectuals and academics will participate in various programmes and talk shows.
