In pictures: Pakistan celebrates 79 years of independence

Here are some glimpses of Independence Day celebrations from Karachi and Lahore. Celebrations were held across Pakistan on Friday as the nation celebrated 79 years of independence. State-run Radio Pakistan reported that the day dawned with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute at the provincial headquarters. A change of guards ceremony was also held at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi. Here are some glimpses of Independence Day celebrations from Karachi and Lahore. Attendees gather as Pakistan's national flag is hoisted during Independence Day celebrations, at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi on August 14, 2026. — Reuters Attendees wave Pakistani flags during Independence Day celebrations at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in Karachi on August 14, 2026. — Reuters People participate in a camel carriage rally during Independence Day celebrations in Karachi on August 14, 2026. — AFP People sit in the grass during Independence Day celebrations at Frere Hall in Karachi on Aug 14, 2026. — White Star Children are seen playing with bubbles during Independence Day celebrations at Frere Hall in Karachi on Aug 14, 2026. — White Star People gather in large numbers to celebrate Independence Day at Greater Iqbal Park in Lahore on Aug 14, 2026. — White Star Children stand on and around a railway engine at a railway station in Lahore on Aug 14, 2026. — White Star A Doraemon plush and balloons printed with the Pakistan flag are seen tied to a car, while a person sits on the edge of the window, driving along Mall Road in Lahore on Aug 14, 2026. — White Star Green balloons and Pakistan flags are seen tied to a car driving along Mall Road in Lahore on Aug 14, 2026. — White Star A Pakistan flag is seen flying from a small boat on the River Ravi on Aug 14, 2026. — White Star Massive crowds are seen standing at Liberty Chowk for Independence Day celebrations in Lahore on Aug 14, 2026. — White Star Fireworks are photographed during celebrations ahead of Independence Day, in Islamabad on August 14, 2026. — AFP Commuters move along an illuminated road on the eve of Independence Day, in Karachi on August 13, 2026. — Reuters Header image: Green balloons and Pakistan's flags are seen tied to a car driving along Mall Road in Lahore on Aug 14, 2026. — White Star