Pakistan is celebrating its 79th Independence Day on Friday with national enthusiasm, as ceremonies, prayers and events are being held across the country from Karachi to Khyber.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in all four provincial capitals. Special prayers were also offered after Fajr for the security, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

In Karachi, a guard-changing ceremony was held at the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, where cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy assumed guard duties.

Independence Day celebrations are also underway in Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and other cities.

Government and private buildings, highways and other key locations have been decorated with national flags and green-and-white decorations.

Rallies, flag-hoisting ceremonies and other events are being held across the country, with citizens celebrating by carrying national flags and wearing green and white clothes.

Fireworks were also held in several cities overnight, as people celebrated with slogans of Pakistan Zindabad.

In Karachi, Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, laid wreaths and offered Fateha. They also recorded their impressions in the guest book.

Hashmi congratulated the nation and said that Pakistan embodied the fulfilment of the dreams of its founders.

He called on young people to develop expertise in science and technology to contribute to the country’s progress.

Murad Ali Shah said Pakistan was achieved after great sacrifices and called for unity and collective efforts for the country’s development, prosperity and stability.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and development, while stressing the importance of following the principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The Pakistan Armed Forces have extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of the country’s 79th Independence Day, paying tribute to the sacrifices made for Pakistan and reaffirming their commitment to its sovereignty and security.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, conveyed the message on behalf of the Armed Forces.

The military leadership paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding fathers and all those whose sacrifices led to the creation of Pakistan.

The Armed Forces also acknowledged the sacrifices of martyrs, the services of veterans, the work of law enforcement personnel and the contributions of citizens who have served the country.

The military leadership reaffirmed its resolve to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold the Constitution and defend the country against threats.

The Armed Forces also called for national unity, tolerance and cohesion, urging citizens to renew their commitment to the principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline and work towards a secure, stable and prosperous Pakistan.