PAKISTAN, Aug 14: People all across Pakistan on Tuesday celebrated the country's 71st Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervour.
As the clock struck midnight, fireworks began across the county while buildings were lit up to celebrate Independence Day.
Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan said he was "optimistic" despite the economic crises the country has faced, due to "corruption and cronyism". He said a united resolve would pave the way for Pakistan to become a "great nation".
The day-long festivities began with thanksgiving prayers and the hoisting of the national flag at all the important public buildings in the country, which had been decorated with bunting and lights ahead of 14 August, Dawn reported online.
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The day began with a 31-gun salute in the capital, followed by 21-gun salutes in all four provincial capitals.
14 Aug 2018: On this Independence Day I am filled with the greatest optimism. Despite our grave economic crises, due to corruption & cronyism, I know if we are united in our resolve, we will rise to the challenge & Pak will become the great nation envisaged by our Quaid & Iqbal pic.twitter.com/T4EM7kToDE
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 13, 2018
Pakistan Rangers officials at the Wagah border crossing exchanged sweets with Indian Border Security Force personnel.
The main ceremony will be hosted at the Islamabad's Convention Centre, where President Mamnoon Hussain is expected to hoist the national flag. Caretaker Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk, the three chiefs of the armed forces and other notable personalities will be in attendance.
Change-of-guard ceremonies were also held at the mausoleums of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in Karachi and Lahore, respectively.
People across the country flocked to stalls that lined up streets to purchase national flags in different sizes, t-shirts, badges and other merchandise to display their national pride.
