ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: The nation will celebrate its 58th Independence Day on Saturday with great enthusiasm and renewed commitment to make Pakistan strong, progressive and prosperous.

The main event of the day will be a flag-hoisting ceremony in the capital. Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain will unfurl the national flag. The day will dawn with prayers for the country's progress and prosperity in mosques.

Celebrations will begin with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salute in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta. At 7.58am, all vehicular traffic will stop for two minutes with the sounding of sirens and national anthem will be played at 8am.

A number of social, cultural, educational and non-governmental organizations have chalked out various programmes to highlight the life and achievements of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, significance of the national ideology and the Pakistan Movement.

The 32 PTDC motels in the far-flung areas of Pakistan have also made arrangements to celebrate the day. Television and radio channels will air special programmes, shows, talks, documentaries. Newspapers will publish special supplements, features and articles, highlighting the importance of the day. -APP