Pakistan celebrates 68th Independence Day

Celebrations kick off at President House where PM Nawaz, President Mamnoon and COAS Raheel are in attendance

ISLAMABAD: Celebrations of Pakistan's 68th Independence Day kicked off on Thursday at the President House where Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, President Mamnoon Hussain, Army Chief Raheel Sharif, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq along with other prominent leaders attended a August 14-related ceremony. 

“The nation is grateful to our officers and we salute them for their bravery,” the president said during his speech.

A 21-gun salute was fired in provincial capitals, while a 31-gun salute was given in Islamabad to commemorate the.

In Lahore, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, while Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah and Governer Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad did the same in Karachi at Mazar-e-Quaid.

A 2400-square-foot flag has also been prepared that will be hoisted in Islamabad later during the day.