Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa hoisted the largest national flag in the history of Pakistan at Wagah Border on the eve of Pakistan's 70th anniversary.
The flag, made entirely in Pakistan, was hoisted on a 400-feet pole at midnight. The size of the flag is 120 feet by 80 feet.
DawnNews reported that the flag is the highest one in South Asia and the 8th highest in the world.
The flag was hoisted at a ceremony held to mark Pakistan's 70th anniversary. The hoisting was followed by grand fireworks and an address by Gen Bajwa. "Some 77 years ago, Pakistan resolution was passed in the same city [Lahore]. Pakistan came into being on the night of 27th Ramazan — it was a blessed night," said the army chief.
"Today, the country is progressing on the path of the law and the Constitution. All Institutions are working properly. We will make Pakistan the country of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal," he said.
"We have rendered many sacrifices — we will never forget our martyrs. We will execute each and every terrorist in Pakistan. I want to tell our enemies, whether they are in the in east or west, that your bullets will end but not the chests of our jawans [soldiers]."
Acknowledging Pakistan's "internal and external challenges", the COAS said, "I assure you that we will never let you down. Any power that will aim to weaken Pakistan, the Pakistan Army and all other institutions will foil their attempts."
Country-wide celebrations
Pakistan Air Force is also going to hold its largest-ever show today (Monday) in Islamabad which will feature aerobatic teams from Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
The day will begin with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital along with a 21-gun salute in each provincial capital. Flag hoisting ceremonies will be held in the provincial capitals and district headquarters, and change of guard ceremonies at Mazar-i-Quaid and Mazar-i-Iqbal.
The main ceremony of Independence Day will be held at Islamabad's Convention Centre, where the president and prime minister will hoist the national flag.