Agencies
Islamabad
Pakistan yesteday celebrated the 68th anniversary of independence with traditional fervor and enthusiasm pledging afresh to make the country a true Islamic welfare state as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Mohamed Ali Jinnah.
The celebrations kicked-off with 31 gun salutes in the federal and 21 gun salutes in the provincial capitals, Radio Pakistan reported.
Special prayers were offered for the prosperity, integrity and solidarity of the country, unity of the Muslim Ummah and the success of the long drawn struggle of the Kashmiris after Fajr prayers.
It was a public holiday day throughout the country.
The main ceremony of Independence Day was held at the convention centre in Islamabad.
President Mamnoon Hussain, who was the chief guest on the occasion, along with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hoisted the national flag, Geo News reported.
The three services chiefs and the federal ministers attended the ceremony.
Change of guard ceremonies were also held at mausoleums of Pakistan’s founder Mohamed Ali Jinnah and Allama Mohamed Iqbal.
Smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Navy Cadets assumed guard duty at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi while Pakistan Army 2-Baloch Regiment took over the charge from Punjab Rangers at the mausoleums of Allama Iqbal.
On the occasion, President Mamnoon Hussain conferred Non-Operational Military awards upon 44 Officers of Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The awards included two Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 16 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), 15 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military), two Sitara-i-Basalat and nine Tamgha-i-Basalat.
According to PAF Directorate of Media Affairs, the recipient of Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) included Air Marshal Mohamed Ashfaque Arain and Air Marshal Asad Abdur Rehman Khan Lodhi.
Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at the provincial capitals and district headquarters besides other important national institutions.
A host of events, including seminars, conferences, lectures, debates, speech contests, exhibitions, quiz competitions and stage dramas were arranged by different organisations all across the country.
Meanwhile, all major public and private buildings, roads and avenues have been illuminated and decorated with national flags, portraits of the national leaders and banners.