Pakistani flag flies at Calgary city hall to celebrate Independence Day

"This is open to everyone to attend", said Tanveer Taj, president of the Alberta chapter of the Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association.

It was the caretaker prime minister, Nasir ul-Mulk, who hoisted the national flag in Islamabad on August 14, alongside Pakistani president Mamnoon Hussain (Sharif was handed a 10-year jail term on July 6 by an anti-corruption court.). Cadets of Pakistan Navy comprising the best sailors took charge of their duties as a change of guard ceremony was held at the Quaid-i-Azam mausoleum in Karachi and Iqbal's mausoleum in Lahore. "People across the country flocked to stalls that lined up streets to purchase national flags in different sizes, t-shirts, badges and other merchandise to display their national pride", the report said.

The day dawned with 31 gun salutes in the federal capital and 21 gun salutes in the provincial headquarters.

He stressed the need for focusing on obstacles which cause problems for the country and added unity is needed to get rid of political and social issues.

Observing that the independence day and general elections had fallen around the same time this year, the president said he thinks a message is hidden between the two events. "On August 14, our resolve is further renewed".

"This day reminds us that the fate of the country is to be decided through ballot", Mr Hussain said.

On their independence anniversary, the president said, the Pakistani people remember the people of Kashmir and their historic sacrifices. He called upon the global community to raise its voice to get the Kashmiri people their due rights.

While Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day yesterday, it was India's turn to do the same today. The all-rounder, whose nation celebrated its Independence Day on Tuesday, wrote a heartfelt message to wish his Indian fans and expressed his wish to have both nations moving towards a peaceful resolution of their issues.

University of Karachi students celebrate with a large national flag ahead of the Independence Day in Karachi on Monday.