Celebrations of Pakistan's 50th Defence Day are under way across the nation on Sunday as the day commenced with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, Radio Pakistan reported.

Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the nation.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the golden jubilee of Defence Day paid tribute to all those who laid down their lives and lost loved ones in the 1965 and 1971 wars and in the ongoing war against terrorism.

The leaders said they are fully aware of the conspiracies and tactics of the enemies and expressed a desire for regional peace and good relations with neighbouring countries.

President Mamnoon said that although Pakistan is a peace-loving country and desires regional peace, this desire must not be construed as a weakness.

PM Nawaz said Pakistan is a responsible and peaceful nuclear power, and its armed forces and other law enforcement agencies are determined to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country.

A Defence Day ceremony was held at the Naval Complex in Islamabad where Commodore Khalid Pervez was the chief guest.

Commodore Khalid Pervez said the morale of Pakistan's armed forces is higher and firmer than ever and they are "prepared to thwart the nefarious designs of the enemy". He paid tribute to the gallantry and courage of those who participated in, and lost their lives in, the 1965 war.

Change of Guard ceremonies were held at the Mazar-i-Iqbal in Lahore and the Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi.

Brigadier Bilal Javed of the Pakistan Rangers offered prayers and laid a floral wreath at the Mazar-i-Iqbal mausoleum and Pakistan Rangers Punjab took over guard duty at the venue.

Around 75 Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy Risalpur cadets took over guard duties at the Quaid’s mausoleum. Air Vice Marshall Asim Zaheer who was the chief guest at the ceremony laid a floral wreath on the Quaid's grave, and a parade was held at the venue.

At 9:29am, a minute of silence was observed, followed by transmission of the national anthem across all radio and television networks.

A ceremony held at the martyrs monument of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti at Baidian in Lahore was attended by Nawaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Corps Commander Lahore, senior military officials, veterans of 1965 war and relatives of the martyred soldiers and officers.

PM Nawaz laid a wreath at the memorial of Maj Aziz Bhatti, who was given the highest military award, the Nishan-i-Haider, for his gallantry.

The PAF presented a special aerobatics display over Islamabad's F-9 park. The exhibition included displays of JF-17 Thunders, F-16s and Mirage aircrafts.

A function will be held at General Headquarters Rawalpindi to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives fighting for Pakistan. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the main function of the day will be held at Corps Headquarters Force Command Northern Areas.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a function paying homage to the nation's fallen heroes is being held at Neelum Stadium.

Explore: Defence Day rehearsals in pictures