Islamabad: Pakistani nation is celebrating the 78th Independence Day on Thursday across the country and abroad to commemorate the courage, unity, and sacrifices that led to the creation of the country. The day dawned with 31-gun salutes at the Federal Capital and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters while special prayers were offered in mosques for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the main flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Pakistan Monument in Islamabad where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag. Buildings have been decorated with national flags, buntings, and lights where the public have raised national flags on their vehicles and the rooftops of their homes. Stalls have been set up at markets and alongside roads, selling national flags, buntings, caps, and children's clothing in green and white.
In his message on the occasion, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari paid homage to the founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the workers of the Pakistan Movement for their struggle and sacrifices. He expressed a sense of renewed pride and hope, highlighting the nation's strength, resolve, and unity in the face of recent external aggression from India. President Zardari also expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering diplomatic, moral, and political support for their right to self-determination.