Pakistan's 61st Independence Day is being celebrated across the country with great fervor and zest here on Thursday. Special prayers were offered for the development of the country in Morning prayers. The central ceremony was held at Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad where Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani hoisted the flag. Also present in the occasion were Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Senate Chairman Muhammadmian Soomro, federal ministers, Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza, members of National Assembly, diplomats and other top officials. The sirens were rung at 8:58am in the morning while students sang the national anthem.