ISLAMABAD, AUG 14 (DNA) – August 14, 2017, marks the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan, which on Monday (today) began with prayers for the motherland in the mosques, thirty-one gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one gun salute in the provincial capitals.

Change of Guards ceremonies were held at the mausoleums of Pakistan’s founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Poet of the East Allama Iqbal.

Quaid’s Mausoleum:

A Navy contingent took over guard duties at Quaid’s Mausoleum in a graceful ceremony that was attended by Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair and Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah. Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, Commodore Adnan Ahmed inspected the parade, laid a wreath of flowers and recorded his impressions in the visitor’s book.

An elegant Change of Guards ceremony was also observed at Iqbal’s Mausoleum in Lahore where a contingent of Pakistan Army took over guard duties. Commander Lahore Garrison, Major General Muhammad Amir laid floral wreath and offered Fateha at the tomb.

The 70th Independence Day is being celebrated with great splendor, joy, respect and re-dedication towards nation-building in all cities of the country. Overseas Pakistanis and Pakistani missions abroad are also celebrating the blissful occasion in their respective countries and are organizing different functions in this regard.