Independent Pakistan celebrates its birthday today, marking the 68th year of its existence as a separate state for Muslims in the subcontinent.

Security procedures are in place across the nation to ensure the safe observance of the day. A 21-gun salute will take place in each of the provincial capitals of Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta.

Pakistan was carved out of India in 1947 after the United Kingdom’s hasty retreat from their subcontinental colony. A bloodbath ensued when large numbers of Muslims and Hindus migrated to their future homelands, either side of the partition. Pakistan was envisioned as a homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent, however since its creation questions remain over the exact role of Islam in the country’s political system.

India celebrates its Independence Day tomorrow.