The nation is celebrating Independence Day today with national zeal and fervour and a renewed pledge to work with the spirit of Pakistan Movement to make the country a true Islamic welfare state.

The day will dawn with thirty-one gun salute in the Federal Capital and twenty-one gun salute at provincial headquarters.

Special prayers will be offered in mosques after Fajr prayer for peace, solidarity and prosperity of country.

President Asif Ali Zardari will hoist the national flag at a special ceremony in Federal Capital.

Similar flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held at provincial, divisional and district headquarters across the country.

Buildings, streets, markets and public places have been decorated with national flags, buntings and colourful lights, giving a festive look to the towns and cities.

A wide range of programs including seminars, exhibitions, cultural events and other activities have been organized to commemorate the  Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervour and to highlight the sacrifices of the nation's forefathers.  

ISPR has released a national song “Mera Pyara Watan Pakistan” on the occasion of Independence Day. The lyrics of the song reflect deep love for the motherland and national unity. 

Radio Pakistan will broadcast special programmes in connection with Independence Day, highlighting services of heroes of Pakistan Movement and paying tributes to their extra ordinary contributions for making Pakistan a reality.

Independence Day will also be observed with zeal and zest in Azad Jammu and Kasgmir today as elsewhere across Pakistan.

The Day will dawn with 21-gun salute at state capital Muzaffarabad and special prayers will be offered after Fajar prayer for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country and early laberation of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Flags hoisting ceremonies will be held in all districts of AJK.

The AJK Prime Minister will lay floral wreath at the Shuhada monument.