ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: The nation will celebrate the 60th Independence Day on Tuesday with national zeal. The day will dawn with special prayers in mosques for the country’s solidarity, progress and prosperity, to be followed by 31- and 21-gun salute in the federal and provincial capitals.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies will be held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad and other cities.

Government, social and cultural organisations have planned various activities, including rallies, gatherings, musical concerts and festivals. Various political parties will also hold Independence Day gatherings and rallies.—APP

Our reporter adds: In an Independence Day message, President Gen Pervez Musharraf urged the people to serve as instruments of enlightened moderation by getting involved in the forthcoming electoral process.

He expressed the confidence that the nation would overcome the short-term challenges it was facing and the country would continue to move ahead on the path of sustainable progress and prosperity.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in his message vowed to promote democratic order in the country and stabilise a democratic culture in which politics would become another name for service to the nation.

Mr Aziz said August 14 was much more than an anniversary for the people of Pakistan because it not only marked the end of the foreign rule but also commemorated the founding of an independent state created by Muslims through their aspirations and cherished ideology.