The country celebrated 70 years of independence from British India with a patriotic display. Celebrations began at the stroke of midnight with firework shows in major cities.

People watch fireworks in Lahore on August 14, 2017 overnight during the celebrations marking Independence Day. PHOTO: AFP

The day kicked off with special prayers being offered for peace and prosperity of the country after Fajr, followed by a 31-gun salute in the federal capital along with a 21-gun salute in each provincial capital. Change of guard ceremonies were also held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi and Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore.

Residents carry national flags as they watch fireworks in Islamabad on August 14, 2017, to mark Independence Day. PHOTO: AFP

President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang attended the flag hoisting ceremony at Islamabad’s Convention Centre.

President Mamnoon Hussain (R) hoists national flag during a ceremony to mark the Independence Day in Islamabad on August 14, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

The president and the prime minister urged the nation to forge unity and ensure supremacy of the Constitution. In their separate messages on the Independence Day, Mamnoon called for joint efforts for development and prosperity of the motherland while Abbasi said called for strengthening the state institutions, enabling them to play their prescribed role within the limits of law and the Constitution.

Youths sing a song after a flag hoisting ceremony to mark Independence Day in Islamabad on August 14, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

Meanwhile, the Chinese vice premier, in his address, pledged Beijing’s continued support for Islamabad, saying his country will continue to assist Pakistan to preserve its independence and sovereignty.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang speaks after a flag hoisting ceremony to mark Independence Day in Islamabad on August 14, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

Expressing solidarity, Yang stressed on strengthening multi-dimensional strategic cooperation between the two countries. Referring to the ongoing war against terror, the Chinese vice premier said his country would support Pakistan’s efforts to pursue the fight against terrorism as per its national interests.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang (2L) is flanked by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as they arrive to attend a flag hoist ceremony to mark the country’s Independence Day in Islamabad on August 14, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

The highest flag in South Asia and 8th highest in the world – was hoisted at the Wagah Border on Sunday night to mark the 71st Independence Day of the country.

Celebrations in Fata

The Independence Day was celebrated across Fata with national spirit and enthusiasm. A number of events were organised in agencies: Bajaur , Mohmand , Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North and South  Waziristan.

A friendly cricket match was also played between Khyber and NWA teams at Younis Khan cricket stadium, Miran Shah.

Diaspora in UAE mark Independence Day

The Pakistani diaspora in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrated the country’s independence with a flag hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan embassy on Monday.

A large number of Pakistani expatriates attended the event.

The Pakistani ambassador Moazzam Ahmed Khan hoisted the national flag at the embassy. Messages sent by President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi were also read out.

Khan felicitated Pakistanis on the occasion and recalled the great sacrifices rendered by forefathers to make a separate homeland a reality.