ISLAMABAD: The nation will celebrate its 65th Independence Day today (Sunday) with great fervour but simplicity. The day will begin with special prayers in mosques for the unity, solidarity and prosperity of the country.The celebration began with a 31-gun salute at the federal capital and 21-gun salute at all the provincial headquarters. Quran Khawani would be held for the martyrs of the Pakistan Movement for their eternal peace.The national flag will be hoisted on government and private buildings. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will hoist the national flag in a ceremony at 9:00am in Jinnah Convention Centre. The national anthem will also be played on the occasion. The flag hoisting ceremonies will also be held at provincial capitals where national flag will also be hoisted on principal public and private buildings.The Armed Forces will follow their own programmes for the purpose. Special prayers will be offered for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country and for the success of the long drawn struggle of the Kashmiris in all mosques on Sunday.The government has devised a comprehensive programme to celebrate the day with an objective to promote the Quaid's message of faith, unity and discipline. Week-long celebrations are already under way throughout the country as numerous events including seminars, conferences, lectures, debates, speech contests, exhibitions, quiz competitions etc in national as well as local languages are being held.Political agents in tribal areas will organise programmes, keeping in view prevailing traditions and security environment. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the district administration will involve councillors and public representatives to organize functions.
