Festivities in full swing to celebrate independence

Festivities are in full swing across the country, as nation celebrates the 63rd Independence Day with traditional zeal and national enthusiasm.Various programs were organized in the Federal Capital as well as provincial capitals of the country to mark the event.The day dawned with 31 gun salutes in the Capital and 21 each in the four provinces, followed by special prayers in mosques across the country for the progress, prosperity and stability of Pakistan.A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Naval Academycadets mounted guard at the Quaid's Mausoleum. Representatives of three services laid Inter Services FloralWreath at the Mazar of quaid-e-Azam and offered dua.The central flag hoisting ceremony was organized at Convention Centre Islamabad where Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani hoisted the national flag. Members of the Federal Cabinet, Army Chief, Speaker National Assembly, Chiefs of Armed Forces and other dignitaries attended the program.Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held in all the big and small cities of the country including the four provincial capitals – Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta – besides Muzafarabad, capital of Azad Kashmir.
Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah hoisted the national flag in Karachi.Similar ceremony was held at Huzuri Bagh in Lahore where Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was the chief guest.The Malakand affectees also took active part in the independence day celebrations, as an atmosphere of festivities was witnessed in the relief camps.The IDPs who returned to Swat are also celebrating the countries freedom with passion.