Pakistanis all across the world are celebrating the diamond jubilee of Pakistan’s independence. The day dawned with 31 gun salute in the federal capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial headquarters.

National flags, buntings, portraits of founding fathers, posters, and banners are also seen everywhere as part of the celebration of Independence Day.

On occasion, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi and other politicians wished the entire nation.

RELATED STORIES

Addressing a national flag-hoisting and unveiling of re-recording ceremony at Jinnah Convention Centre, PM Shehbaz said that like their forefathers, on this 75th Independence Day, they vowed to transform Pakistan into an economic power.

“If we can become a nuclear power, we can also become an economic power but for it we have to strive day and night and prove to the world that we are no less than anyone in the world,” he added.

On Twitter, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of economic sovereignty. He said, “Time has come for the nation to understand what true freedom means. It is a freedom from want, hunger and poverty. Without economic sovereignty, our freedom is incomplete. Our greatest strength is our people. It is about time we place their welfare at the center of public policy.”

“While we celebrate our hard-earned independence, Pakistan at 75 calls for deep reflection. We have yet to fully realize the dream that our founding fathers dreamed,” he added.

The premier went to meet the orphans of the Pakistan Sweet Home in Islamabad. A video shared by PM Office on Twitter showed PM Shehbaz and children cutting the cake.

President Dr Arif Alvi urged the nation to remain steadfast and work wholeheartedly for the development and progress and prosperity of the country.

“We need to remain united to overcome financial, economic and security challenges faced by the country. Let us pledge that we will remain steadfast to render any sacrifice for the dignity and self-respect of our people and greatness and glory of our beloved homeland,” the president said in a message on the 75th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan.

The president spent his day at Kashana Orphanage. Sharing a picture, he said, “I spent my 75th Independence Day at Kashana Orphanage, a shelter for girls. These happy faces are the real future of my country. I dream of a Pakatan where every girl is educated and becomes a contributor to the national economy.”

Foriegn Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in his message to the nation also offered his felicitations to the nation. He said, “Pakistan stands tall today as the amalgamation of both ancient and modern. While preserving our historical identity, we are a nation with our eyes on the future.”

In his messages on the eve of Independence Day, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that the supremacy of elected parliament of the people is essential for a free, independent and dignified Pakistan. “Now the time has come to make sustainable decisions for the country and the nation by fully implementing the Charter of Democracy.”