Islamabad (Web Desk/ Agencies): The nation is celebrating Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day today (Wednesday) with traditional zeal and enthusiasm through a wide range of festivities to highlight the struggle of national heroes for acquiring a separate homeland.
The day dawned with special prayers and a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute at all provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques at dawn for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country.
The main feature of the celebrations was a national flag hoisting ceremony held at Pakistan Monument in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag.
The change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleums of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi.
A smartly turned-out contingent of cadets of Pakistan Naval Academy assumed the charge.
Different public and private departments have planned to hold special functions and activities including seminars, discussion programmes, photographic exhibitions, painting, poetry, national songs and debate competitions with the focus on acknowledging the contribution of leaders of the Pakistan Movement and sacrifices of national heroes.
All the major roads and avenues of the federal capital, like other cities, have been illuminated with flags, banners and buntings to present a festive look.
The print and electronic media will highlight the services of Pakistan Movement heroes’ on the day and pay tributes to their extra ordinary contributions for making Pakistan a reality.
Literary and cultural organizations have also chalked out a number of programmes to mark the day.
The educational institutions both private and government will also hold different activities including competitions, functions and sessions to educate the students about the historical struggle behind creation of Pakistan.
Since Independence Day has assumed the shape of a festival in the country, different brands, online retailers, eateries, cab-hailing services and even electronics companies are offering exciting discount offers, adding more charm to the festivity.