The portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is seen at at the India-Pakistan Wagah border post as a Pakistani Ranger (top) unfurls the Pakistani national flag during a ceremony to celebrate Pakistan's Independence Day. — AFP

In pictures: Pakistan marks 70 years of independence

Citizens celebrate with fireworks, and fun and games on the festive occasion.
Published August 14, 2017

Pakistanis on Monday commemorated the country's 70th anniversary since Partition from India.

As government officials participated in flag-hoisting ceremonies and laying wreaths at symbolic monuments across the country, the Pakistan Air Force put on one of its largest air shows in the country's history, with visiting aerobatic teams from Turkey and Saudi Arabia joining in the display in Islamabad. A second air show was held at Karachi's Seaview beach.

Chinese vice premier Wang Yang was also part of the celebrations this year, addressing a crowd of top government and military officials at Islamabad's Convention Centre.

Citizens celebrated the festive occasion with fireworks, face-painting, eccentric get-ups, and other fun and games.

People watch fireworks in Lahore during celebrations on the eve of Pakistan's 70th Independence Day. — AFP
People watch fireworks in Lahore during celebrations on the eve of Pakistan's 70th Independence Day. — AFP

Residents of Karachi march during a rally to mark Independence Day. — AFP
Residents of Karachi march during a rally to mark Independence Day. — AFP

Members of the Sikh community carry a cake decorated with the national flag during celebrations to mark the country's Independence Day in Peshawar. — AFP
Members of the Sikh community carry a cake decorated with the national flag during celebrations to mark the country's Independence Day in Peshawar. — AFP

President Mamnoon Hussain hoists the national flag during a ceremony to mark Independence Day in Islamabad. — AFP
President Mamnoon Hussain hoists the national flag during a ceremony to mark Independence Day in Islamabad. — AFP

People march on horses during a rally marking the country's Independence Day in Peshawar. — AFP
People march on horses during a rally marking the country's Independence Day in Peshawar. — AFP

Girl gets the national flag painted on her cheek. — AFP
Girl gets the national flag painted on her cheek. — AFP

Pakistani Wing Commander Bilal (4L) presents sweets to Indian Border Security Force (BSF) Commandant Sudeep (4R) during a ceremony to celebrate Independence Day at the Wagah border post. — AFP
Pakistani Wing Commander Bilal (4L) presents sweets to Indian Border Security Force (BSF) Commandant Sudeep (4R) during a ceremony to celebrate Independence Day at the Wagah border post. — AFP

Pakistani armed forces officials salute as they listen to the national anthem after hoisting the national flag during a ceremony to mark the country's Independence Day in Islamabad. — AFP
Pakistani armed forces officials salute as they listen to the national anthem after hoisting the national flag during a ceremony to mark the country's Independence Day in Islamabad. — AFP

A Chinese delegation visits the Azadi Train at Rawalpindi Railway station. — APP
A Chinese delegation visits the Azadi Train at Rawalpindi Railway station. — APP

Street celebrations in Hyderabad on the eve of Pakistan's 70th Independence Day. — APP
Street celebrations in Hyderabad on the eve of Pakistan's 70th Independence Day. — APP