Nation celebrates Independence Day with zeal

The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals.

The traditional flag hoisting ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr where President Mamnoon Hussain hoisted the national flag. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was also present on the occasion.

All the major public and private buildings, roads and avenues have been decorated with illuminations, national flags, portraits of the national leaders, banners and buntings.

Special prayers were offered for the prosperity, integrity and solidarity of the country, unity of the Muslim Ummah and for the success of the long-drawn struggle of Kashmiris.

An impressive change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid-e Azam where a smart contingent of Pakistan Navy took charge.

A simple but graceful ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore in which personnel of Pak Army took charge from Punjab Rangers.