With its main streets and avenues in green and white, the national colors, the day began with special prayers, a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21 in all provincial capitals, siren calls and the flag-raising ceremony, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.

At a parade at the Pakistan Military Academy, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Syed Asim Munir congratulated the nation on more than seven decades of independence and thanked the soldiers who participated in the parade.

He referred to the celebration as an opportunity to express total commitment and unwavering determination for a bright future of the nation.

According to Munir, Pakistan is going through interesting times, a decisive era, fraught with challenges, geopolitical disputes, growing power struggle and hegemonism and jingoism.

However, he also affirmed that the nation has the will, resilience and capacity to face all challenges, whether external or internal.

On the other hand, mosques opened with morning prayers for the nation’s prosperity, solidarity and peace, noted the news agency.

The day will be spent with special functions and activities, including seminars, debates, photo, art, painting and poetry exhibitions, national song performances and debate competitions, APP added.

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