Pakistan celebrates Independence Day

Pakistan celebrated Independence Day Tuesday with great enthusiasm.

The day dawned with 31 gun salute in the capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered for the well being and better future of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf addressed a gathering at a flag hoisting ceremony at the Convention Centre in Islamabad and said the resolution of the country's problems lies with democracy and Pakistan's survival hinges on it, Geo TV reported.

The Pakistani leader also greeted his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on Independence Day
.

In Karachi, Sindh Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah paid homage to the founder of the nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah and laid floral wreaths at his mausoleum.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif attended a ceremony at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, a philosopher, poet and politician.

In Peshawar, celebrations were held at Police Line, while in Quetta Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani attended the celebrations at Ayub Stadium.

Thousands also attended the flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah border.