Pakistan celebrating 61st independence anniversary in Pakistan

Pakistan’s 61st Independence Day is being celebrated across the country with great zest and festive fervor here on Thursday.

Special prayers were offered for the country’s development and progress at Fajr prayers.

The main ceremony was held at Jinnah Convention Center here where Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani hoisted the flag.

Also present in the occasion were Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Senate Chairman Mian Muhammad Soomro, federal ministers, Speaker Fehmida Mirza, members National Assembly, diplomats and senior officials.

The sirens were blown at 8:58 am in the morning while students sang the national anthem.

In Lahore, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif attended the flag hoisting ceremony held at Hazoori Bagh near Shahi Qila.

Lahore Nazim Mian Amir Mahmood was also present on the occasion.

NWFP Chief Minster Amir Haider Hoti attended the flag hoisting ceremony at Police Line in Peshawar Quetta Balochistan Chief Minister Haji Aslam Khan Raisani hoisted the flag.

Several events would be held across the country to celebrate 61st birthday of the country.