The nation is celebrating the 78th Independence Day on Thursday with enthusiasm, buoyed by the recent success in the Marka-e-Haq military operation against India.

The day commenced with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in each provincial headquarters.

Special prayers were held in mosques across the country, seeking peace, solidarity, and prosperity for Pakistan.

Buildings, streets, and markets across the country are festooned with national flags, buntings, and lights.

Vendors in cities and towns are selling flags, caps, and green-and-white clothing, while vehicles and rooftops proudly display the national emblem.

Media outlets like Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television have scheduled special programs to commemorate the occasion.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead the flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by a grand defence exhibition at the Shakarparian Parade Ground at 10am, showcasing the capabilities of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force.

The display will feature tanks, artillery, rocket launchers, radars and aircraft integral to the Marka-e-Haq operation.

Visitors will also witness a Pakistan Air Force fly past, para-jumping demonstrations, cultural programmes, and military band performances.

The exhibition is meant to give the public an up-close view of the country’s defence capabilities and to celebrate Independence Day with national pride.

Cultural celebrations are also planned in Islamabad, organised by the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) in collaboration with local organisations.

Traditional dance troupes representing all provinces will perform at designated public venues in the evenings, with special arrangements for sound, lighting, and seating.

MCI officials said these performances will “entertain and showcase Pakistan’s cultural diversity.”

Additional festivities include art exhibitions, musical evenings, and competitions for children, creating a vibrant atmosphere leading up to the national holiday.

Lok Virsa is hosting the largest Independence Day festival in Islamabad, featuring music, culture, food and family entertainment.

Highlights of the programme include a Mili Naghma competition, an Azadi Concert, artisan workshops, folk theatre performances, Marka-e-Haq tribute exhibitions featuring photographs and paintings, a lantern countdown to midnight on Independence Day, ethnic food stalls, shopping, children’s play areas, and performances by brass bands and folk dance groups. Entry to the festival is free for all visitors.

Meanwhile, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control ( LoC ) will mark Independence Day and the victory in Marka-e-Haq with renewed pledges to continue their struggle for self-determination.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir have described Pakistan as their “ultimate destination” and vowed to work for its safety, solidarity, and prosperity.

Nationwide, flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural shows, and prayers are being held, while security measures have been heightened across major cities to ensure a peaceful celebration.