ISLAMABAD - The nation celebrated the 66th Independence Day with a pledge to work for the progress and prosperity of the country and strengthening democracy.
The day dawned with 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute at the provincial capitals. Special prayers were also offered for the prosperity‚ integrity and solidarity of the country.
A smartly-dressed contingent of Pakistan Naval Academy took over guard duty at a change of guard ceremony at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.
In Karachi‚ the flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Mazar-e-Quaid. On the occasion‚ Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah were the chief guests.
And in Lahore, a special flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Wagha border. The Punjab Rangers unfurled the Pakistan flag. A large number of people attended the ceremony and chanted slogans and sang national songs to express their love for the country.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal to pay homage to the national poet.
In Peshawar‚ Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti hoisted the flag at Police Lines. Several provincial ministers‚ MPAs‚ civil and military officers and elite of the town attended the ceremony.
The armed forces too celebrated the 65th Independence Day of Pakistan with zeal and fervor.
National flag hoisting ceremonies were held at the Joint Staff Headquarters, General Headquarters, Services Headquarters, all Corps Headquarters, Formations, Static Installations and all units of the Army, Navy and Air Force followed by singing of national anthem. Messages of the Services Chiefs were read out to all ranks.
At the Joint Staff Headquarters, Air Commodore Joher Ali hoisted the national flag after which the national anthem was played. At the General Headquarters, Major-General Jamshed Riaz hoisted the national flag.
Ceremonial changing of guard at Allama Iqbal’s Mazar by Pakistan Army was in Lahore.
Earlier at midnight on 13-14 August 2012, a spectacular parade was held at the elegantly lit drill square of Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul. Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was chief guest on the occasion.
A large number of people from all walks of life, senior serving and retired civil and military officials witnessed the spectacular parade at Pakistan Military Academy to mark the sixty fourth Independence Day.