NEWS ASIA In pictures: Pakistan celebrates 71st anniversary of independence

Pakistan came into existence and was declared a sovereign nation after the Partition of erstwhile British India on August 14-15, 1947.

A Pakistani with his body painted with the colours of Pakistan's national flag salutes during a rally celebrating the country's Independence Day in Lahore on August 14, 2018.

Pakistan celebrated 71st anniversary of independence from British rule on Tuesday.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in the capital Islamabad, and 21- gun salutes in all provincial capitals. 

The main ceremony took place in the Jinnah Convention Centre in capital Islamabad where the national flag was hoisted by President Mamnoon Hussain.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan in his message expressed support for Turkey amid its financial difficulties. 

"On behalf of the people of Pakistan & myself, I want to let President Erdogan & the people of Turkey know we are praying for their success in dealing with the severe economic challenges confronting them, as they have always succeeded against adversities in their glorious history," he wrote on Twitter. 

Pakistan celebrates its independence one day before India's independence day on August 15.

Attendees wave Pakistan's national flag while singing national songs at a ceremony to celebrate the Independence Day at the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, Pakistan, August 14, 2018. (Reuters)

Cities and villages were decorated in green and white, signifying colours of the national flag. Celebrations begin with midnight fireworks and gun salute in capital Islamabad

An illuminated building is seen on the eve of the Independence Day in capital Islamabad. The anniversary comes amid political change, as a new government will take charge this week.

Pakistani street vendors sell national flags and horns to celebrate the country's Independence Day, in eastern Lahore city. (AP)

Independence Day commemorates the day that Pakistan came into existence and was declared a sovereign nation after the Partition of British India on August 14-15, 1947

People with national flags participate in a rally to mark the country's Independence Day, in Rawalpindi. The festivities began on Tuesday with gun salutes in federal capital Islamabad and four provincial capitals.

Pakistani soldiers presents sweets to Indian border personnel during a ceremony to celebrate Pakistan's Independence Day at the India-Pakistan Wagah border post.

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