The 73rd Independence Day was observed on Wednesday as Kashmir Solidarity Day to express full support to Kashmiri brethren reeling from renewed Indian repression.

Protest rallies were taken out in all small and major cities of the country and seminars are being organized to highlight the plight of oppressed people in occupied Kashmir.

A special logo for the Independence Day was also released reflecting the theme "Kashmir Banega Pakistan".

Entire nation in a unified voice has reiterated to continue moral, political and diplomatic support of Kashmiri brethren in their just struggle for right to self-determination as promised by international community and UN resolutions.

The day dawned with special prayers in the mosques after Fajar prayer for peace, progress, and prosperity of the country and liberation of the occupied territories of the Muslims.

Thirty-one gun salute was offered in the Federal Capital Islamabad, while 21-gun salute in all the four provincial headquarters, Gilgit and Muzaffarabad.

Radio Pakistan made elaborate arrangements to mark the day in a befitting manner.

The News and Current Affairs Channel of Radio Pakistan also aired special marathon transmission from 07:00 am to 12:00 pm.

During the special marathon transmission, interviews, sound bites and expressions of prominent personalities regarding Pakistan Movement and struggle of Kashmiri people against Indian's suppression were broadcast.

Flag hoisting ceremony held in Islamabad

The main flag hoisting ceremony was held in Islamabad.

Addressing the ceremony, President Dr. Arif Alvi emphatically renewed Pakistan's unflinching support to Kashmiri people until they get right to self-determination.

He said we will not leave them alone at any stage. Kashmiris and Pakistanis are one. Our grief is common as their tears move our hearts. We were with them; we are standing with them and will continue to do so.

Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta.

Change of guards ceremony held at mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam

In Karachi, the change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah this morning.

A smartly turned out contingent of the cadets of Pakistan Naval Academy assumed the guards duties.

Commodore Irfan Taj of Pakistan Navy was the chief guest of ceremony.

He inspected the guard of honour and presented national salute to the Father of the Nation.

The chief guest also laid floral wreath at the mazar, offered fateha and recorded his impressions in the visitors' book.

Change of guards held at Mazar-e-Iqbal, Lahore

An impressive ceremony of Change of Guards was held at the tomb of the poet of the east Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore this morning in connection with Independence Day.

During the ceremony a smartly turned contingent of the Pakistan Army assumed the charge of the guards’ duty from the Pakistan Rangers (Punjab).   

General Officer Commander Major General Yousaf was the chief guest on the occasion. 

Later, he laid a floral wreath on the grave of Allama Iqbal and offered fateha.

Main function in connection with Independence Day held at Governor's House Peshawar 

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the main function in connection with Independence Day was held at Governor's House, Peshawar today.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman hoisted the national flag.

Collective prayers were also prayed for development and prosperity of the country and liberation of Indian occupied Kashmir.

Similar function was also held at Civil Secretariat Peshawar where provincial information minister Shaukat Yousafzai hoisted the national flag.

National flag hoisting ceremony was also held at Pakistan Railways, Divisional Superintendent office, and Rescue 1122 office, Peshawar.

Functions of similar nature were also held at Sra Rogha tehsil of tribal district South Waziristan, district Orakzai and Mohmand.

A rally was also taken out in Parachinar, Kurram to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Main function of Independence Day held at Chinar Garden Gilgit

In Gilgit, the main function of Independence Day and Solidarity Day with Kashmiris was held in Chinar Garden.

Deputy Speaker, GB Assembly Jaffarullah Khan was the Chief Guest and hoisted the national flag, laid wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and offered Fateha. Contingent of GB Scouts and GB Police presented guard of honour at the Yadgar.   

Speaking on the occasion, he condemned Indian government's revocation of Article 370 and abrogation of special status of Indian held Kashmir.

Expressing solidarity with Kashmiris, he said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are extending their support to their Kashmiri brethren. He demanded United Nations to restore the special status of the valley.

Our Gilgit correspondent Sher Muhammad reports that rallies are being taken out in Gilgit and other districts to express solidarity with Kashmir people.