(UTV|COLOMBO) Pakistan is celebrating 71st Independence Day today (Tuesday) with traditional fervour and enthusiasm.
All major public and private buildings, roads and avenues have been decorated with illuminations, national flags, portraits of national leaders, banners and buntings to give a festive look. Fireworks began as soon as the clock struck 12:00 am midnight.
The day dawned with thirty-one gun salute in the federal and twenty-one gun salute at the provincial capitals.
The main event of the day was a flag hoisting ceremony at Convention Center in Islamabad where President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest. At 8:59 am in the morning siren was sounded and the traffic came to standstill for one minute.
Then president hosted the national flag followed by national anthem. The president also addressed the nation on the occasion.
Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (R) Nasirul Mulk, federal ministers, speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly, parliamentarians, services chiefs, envoys of various countries and people from all walks of life graced the occasion.
Special prayers are being offered in mosques at dawn for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country and for the resolution of long standing issue of Kashmir.
Educational institutions have arranged art exhibitions, declamation contests, national songs competitions and tableau shows.
Horse and cattle shows, folk music and stage shows, sports tournaments for children, exhibitions of fruits and vegetables have also been organized in villages, towns and cities across the country.
The services of heroes of Pakistan Movement are also being highlighted through electronic and print media on the day to pay tribute to their struggle for making Pakistan a reality.
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