14th Aug celebrations held across Pakistan with zest and fervor

ISLAMABAD: Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s 61st Independence Day was celebrated across the country with great zest and fervor here on Thursday. Special prayers were offered for the development of the country in morning (Fajr) prayers. The main ceremony was held at Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad where Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani hoisted the national flag.Also present on the occasion were Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chairman Senate, Mian Muhammad Soomro, Federal Ministers, Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza, members of National Assembly, diplomats and other top officials. The sirens were rung at 7:58 am and after that students from various schools sang the national anthem. Meanwhile, a flag hoisting ceremony was also held at Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s mausoleum in Karachi. Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah hoisted the national flag. Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Ministers of provincial cabinet and members of provincial assembly attended the flag hoisting ceremony.After the flag hoisting ceremony, Chief Minister and Governor laid floral wreaths at the mausoleum and offered ‘Fateha’.In Lahore, Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif attended the flag hoisting ceremony held at Hazoori Bagh near Shahi Fort. Lahore Nazim Mian Amir Mahmood was also present on this occasion. NWFP Chief Minster, Ameer Haider Hoti attended the flag hoisting ceremony at Police Line in Peshawar while in Quetta, Chief Minister Haji Aslam Khan Raisani hoisted the national flag.Several events were held across the country to celebrate 61st birthday of the country.