ISLAMABAD: The main flag-hoisting ceremony is under way at the Convention Centre.

President Mamnoon Hussain hoisted the national flag following which the national anthem was recited.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa and other senior civil and military leaders are in attendance.

China's Vice Premier Wang Yang, who is on a visit to Pakistan, is the guest of honour. 

Speaking at the event, Yang expressed gratitude at being invited to the ceremony. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan for eliminating terrorism and maintaining peace in the region. 

He praised the bilateral friendship of the two countries, which has "withstood the test of time". 

Shehbaz's address in Lahore

Addressing the media after visiting Allama Iqbal's tomb at Lahore's Hazoori Bagh, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said we need to review the balance sheet of the last 70 years to see what we have gained and what we have lost. 

He paid tribute to the founding father and sacrifices of the hundreds of thousands during Partition. 

With regards to India, Shehbaz said that despite having nuclear capability to defend ourselves, we are not an economic superpower. He stressed that with hard work, honesty and commitment, Pakistan can surpass India. 

Earlier, a change of guard ceremony had taken place at Allama Iqbal?s tomb with an army contingent taking over guard duty. 

Quaid's Mausoleum 

In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, along with senior provincial government officials, visited the Mazar-e-Quaid. The otherwise political foes also addressed the media together. 

Earlier, a change of guard ceremony had taken place at the Quaid's Mausoleum with a navy contingent taking over guard duties at the tomb.

A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held in Quetta and Peshawar, where Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri and Chief Minister Pervez Khattak addressed the occasions, respectively. 

Earlier in the day, the federal and provincial capitals held gun-salutes and separate flag hoisting ceremonies.

In his message, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider wished happy independence to Pakistan. 

He said for 70 years Kashmiris have been awaiting independence.

 Hurriyet leader Yasin Malik?s wife Mashal Malik also wished Pakistanis on their 70th Independence Day.