Islamabad: The nation celebrated Independence Day today, embracing the spirit of the Pakistan Movement with a commitment to transform the country into an Islamic welfare state. Celebrations began with a thirty-one gun salute in the Federal Capital and twenty-one gun salutes in provincial capitals.

Special prayers were held in mosques nationwide, invoking peace, solidarity, and prosperity. The main flag hoisting ceremony took place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presiding over the event. Dignitaries including Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, cabinet members, and school students attended.

Flag hoisting ceremonies were conducted across provincial capitals. In Lahore, Acting Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan led the ceremony at Governor House. Corps Commander Lahore, Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah, paid homage to national poet Allama Iqbal by laying a wreath at his mausoleum.

Karachi’s Mazar-e-Quaid hosted a flag hoisting ceremony attended by Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. In Dera Ismail Khan, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur led the ceremony at Police Lines.

Quetta witnessed a flag ceremony with Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Speaker Balochistan Assembly Abdul Khaliq Achakzai. In Muzaffarabad, Prime Minister AJK Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq hoisted the flag. Gilgit’s Chinar Bagh hosted the main ceremony in Gilgit-Baltistan, led by Home Minister Shamsul Haq Lone.

The recent victory in the Marka-e-Haq against India’s unprovoked aggression has heightened national fervor. Buildings are adorned with flags, buntings, and lights, while citizens display flags on vehicles and rooftops. Radio Pakistan is broadcasting special programs to commemorate the day.