The Pakistani nation is celebrating the 70th Independence Day today with enthusiasm and renewed pledge to safeguard the country against any threat as well as re-dedication towards nation building as per the vision of the founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The day dawned with 31-gun salute in the federal and 21-gun salute at the provincial capitals. After 'Fajr' prayers, special prayers were offered for the prosperity, integrity and solidarity of the country, unity of the Muslim Ummah and for the success of the long drawn struggle of the Kashmiris.

Sirens were played at 8.58 am and all moving traffic on road rail and sea came to a halt for one-minute. It was followed by flag hoisting by the President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain and playing of the national anthem.

Flag hoisting ceremonies would also be held at the provincial capitals and district headquarters besides other important national institutions.

A change of guard ceremony is also held at Mazar-e-Iqbal on Sunday morning. People belonging to various segments of society will visit the Mazar to pay tribute to the national poet.

A host of events including seminars, conferences, lectures, debates, speech contests, exhibitions will be arranged to spread the message of a strong Pakistan. All the major public and private buildings, roads and avenues have been decorated with illuminations, national flags, and portraits of the national leaders, banners and buntings to give a festive look.

TV and radio channels are presenting programmes on the Independence Day. Different sports events have also been arranged.

Moreover, houses, streets and bazaars are being decorated with buntings, banners and national flags.

Law-Enforcement Agencies have also adopted special security measures to check any untoward incident.