Pakistan was celebrating its Independence Day on Monday with traditional zeal and fervour.

The celebrations began with a change of guard ceremonies held at Mazaar-i-Quaid and Mazaar-i-Iqbal in Karachi and Lahore, respectively, and a 31-gun salute in the capital, followed by 21-gun salutes in all four provincial capitals.

PM, the president call for unity

President Alvi and outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in their separate statements have called for national unity to surmount social, political, economic and security challenges.

“Let’s resolve that we will not hesitate to offer any sacrifice for the security, prosperity and development of the country,” the president said.

Alvi congratulated all compatriots and urged a renewed commitment towards building a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan, as “envisioned by the Father of the Nation”.

The president also vowed to stand with the people of Kashmir and extend Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for them.

PM Shehbaz pledged to follow the motto of Quaid-i-Azam of “work, work and only work” which he described as the guiding principle to rebuild Pakistan.

He said: “I have no doubt Pakistan is destined to scale higher and higher.”

On the 76th Independence Day, the military leaders of Pakistan extended their congratulations to the nation.

“This day reminds us of the vision, fortitude and countless sacrifices which our ancestors offered, to realise our elders and great Quaid’s dream of a free and independent country,” a press release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations stated.

“Thousands of sons of the soil have laid down their lives for the defence of the motherland and to preserve the cherished dream of freedom of our forefathers,” it stated.