Pakistan, Aug. 15 -- Military and civilian leadership, as well as the martyrs of "Marka-e-Haq" (Battle of Truth), were presented with national honours as part of celebrations to mark Pakistan's 79th Independence Day on Thursday.

In an earlier message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari said the day served as a reminder of courage, unity, and sacrifices that led to the creation of Pakistan and paid homage to the founding father Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the workers of the Pakistan Movement for their struggle and sacrifices.

The awards, including both wartime and peacetime honours, were conferred by President Zardari and PM Shehbaz during a ceremony at the Presidency in Islamabad. Awards were conferred...