Pakistan on Tuesday (14) celebrated its 72nd Independence Day with commemorative ceremonies across the country.
Festivities began with hoisting of the national flag at all important public buildings in the country, and a 31-gun salute was held in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad. There was a 21-gun salute in all four provincial capitals, reported Dawn, a Pakistan daily.
A flag hoisting ceremony was held at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan wished the nation on Independence Day and vowed to realise Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal's vision for Pakistan.
The country's prime minister-in-waiting tweeted: “14 Aug 2018: On this Independence Day I am filled with the greatest optimism. Despite our grave economic crises, due to corruption and cronyism, I know if we are united in our resolve, we will rise to the challenge and Pakistan will become the great nation envisaged by our Quaid and Iqbal.”
The main ceremony was held at Islamabad's Jinnah Convention Centre, where President Mamnoon Hussain hoisted the national flag. The ceremony was also attended by caretaker Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk and the three chiefs of the armed forces.
Mamnoon said Pakistan can overcome the economic problems and other issues it is facing by only following the teachings of Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in their true spirit.
In his message, the prime minister said the occasion "reminds us of the epic democratic struggle of our forefathers for securing a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent where they could fashion their lives according to their religious, cultural and social values," according to Radio Pakistan.
At the Wagah border crossing, Pakistan Rangers exchanged sweets with Indian Border Security Force personnel.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event