The nation on Monday celebrated the 59th Independence Day with traditional zeal, enthusiasm and renewed pledge to make the country more strong and prosperous. The day dawned with 31-gun salute in the Federal capital and 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques for the prosperity and progress of the country. At a ceremony held here, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz hoisted the national flag. Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at the provincial headquarters.
The district headquarters and Pakistan's Missions abroad also organised flag hoisting and other spectacular events on the day. Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at Joint Staff Headquarters, General Headquarters, Formation Headquarters and Quarter Guard of all units.
To commemorate the event, President General Pervez Musharraf hosted a reception for the senior serving and retired officers at the Artillery Officers Mess Rawalpindi.
Various programmes including rallies, processions and the colourful functions under the aegis of various public and private sectors, social and political organisations were held in all cities of the country.
On the auspicious occasion, the people reiterated their resolve to work for the glory, prosperity and well being of the country. All government, semi-government and private buildings, roads, shops, as well as houses have been colourfully decorated with buntings and flags. Educational institutions also arranged special programmes to mark the day and create awareness among the young generation about the importance of the day.
Various political and social welfare organisations arranged rallies and seminars to highlight the importance of the day and the historic sacrifices of the life and property rendered by the Muslims of the sub-continent for creation of Pakistan.
Besides, private television channels, Pakistan Television and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation aired special programmes to highlight the significance of the day, while newspapers published special articles and features on the importance of the day.
In Lahore, Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi hoisted a national flag at Alamgiri Gate of Shahi Qila to mark the 59th Independence Day. He also laid a floral wreath at mausoleum of poet philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal and offered Fateha.
On the occasion, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said people had now realised that the present government was the only government paying great deal of attention to country's development, besides ensuring provision of better healthcare, education and other amenities of life to them. The Independence Day was also celebrated with solemnity by all formations and units of Lahore Garrison.
In Karachi, the day commenced with change of guards and hoisting of national flag at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah - the Founder of Pakistan.
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim hoisted the national flag and offered Fateha. Foreign delegates, school children and large number of people from sections of the society also visited the Quaid's Mazar to pay homage.
NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani, while addressing a ceremony arranged by district government at historic Jinnah Park Peshawar in connection with Independence Day, expressed the resolve for safeguarding the interests of the motherland obtained through matchless sacrifices of our forefathers.
He said the purpose of celebrating Independence Day on August 14 was to highlight the importance of the day among our youth and invigorate the sentiments of patriotism among the citizens.
The Chief Minister said this year the NWFP government had decided to celebrate the Independence Day with simplicity for expressing solidarity with flood-affected people of the province.
In Quetta, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Jam Muhammad Yousaf hoisted a national flag at a ceremony held on the lawns of Provincial Assembly. Children from different schools of the city attired in colourful dresses presented national songs and a smartly turned out police contingent saluted the flag.
In Fata, special programmes were chalked out to celebrate the Independence Day. Kashmiris living across the line of control also celebrated the Independence Day of Pakistan in a befitting manner.
In connection with Independence Day celebrations, the monsoon tree plantation campaign was also launched. Fire works and other special cultural events were also part of the Independence Day celebrations.