ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain has called for halting experiments with the systems of governance in Pakistan and urged the nation to get united under the Consutudon to ensure its supremacy which is vital for the country`s development.

Speaking at a flag-hoisting ceremony to commemorate the country`s 71st Independence Day at the Convention Centre here on Monday, the president said the nation`s temperament was primarily democratic and parliamentary as they had repeatedly reposed their conndence in the democratic system.

`It is ironic that the system in line with our temperament could not be fully developed,` he said.

It was the main ceremony of the day which was also attended byChinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, besides Prime Minister Shahid Khagan Abbasi, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, chiefs of three services, parliamentarians, diplomats and people from dif ferent walks of life.

`Since creation of Pakistan, we have done different experiments with systems of government. But why have we been unable to find uniformity in such affairs?` asked the president, and then responded that one reason could be that instead of giving due time to these systems for proper development, `we become restless` due to which these systems could not fully develop according to their natural pace. `That is why it is imperative that before treading a new path, experiences of the past should be thoroughly reviewed,` he said.

Mr Hussain urged the nation, especially stakeholders, to unite under the Constitution in the larger nadonalinterestby setung aside their dif ferences, and ensure its supremacy.

`The Constitution is a document which will show path to realise national objectives by rising above our personal interests,` he said, adding that it would also guarantee progress and stability of the motherland as a manifestation of national aspirations.

The president said the national issues should be judged in their true aspects without giving way to emotional tendencies.

`It is good to think and be concerned about future of the country, but it is not right to be dejected because the nations which tread the path with great determination are always successful in overcoming their challenges,` he added.

`Nowadays some circles are raising questions about the suitability of the present system. It is good to think about national matters, but while doing so it is necessary that such matters should be seen in the right perception.

`I want to make it clear that if sanity did not prevail in the current situation then our dreams of economic revival will not be materialised and the nation will never forgive us for this laxity,` the president said.

Speaking as a chief guest on the occasion, the Chinese vice premier highlighted the significance of Pakistan-China ties and expressed his government`s determination to support Pakistan in its efforts for development, regional stability and securing its national interests and sovereignty.

Mr Wang recounted Pakistan`s support for China in difficult times and said the all weather friendship stood the tests of time. Under the vision of President Xi Jinping, he said, China wanted to further take this strategic partnership to new heights.

He said the Chinese government desired to accelerate and accomplish mega projects launched under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) for greater economic prosperity of the Pakistani nation.

Schoolchildren dressed in national attire and carrying national flags cheered loudly during the speech of the Chinese guest.

Later, the Senate chairman and the National Assembly speaker laid a wreath at the memorial of forgotten heroes of democracy inside parliament.

Air show The largest air show in the country`s history was held in Islamabad and Karachi.

The first show held at Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad, was witnessed by President Hussain, Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir, Chief of the Air Staff Sohail Aman and diplomats, including the specially-invited ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Turkey, from atop the building of Shaheen School, adjacent to the park.

According to an official handout issued by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the festive event was attended by internationally-acclaimed aerobatics teams from Turkish Air Force `Solo Turkey` and Saudi Hawks of the Royal Saudi Air Force, besides the PAF`s aerobatics team and commandoes of the three services.

The thrilling show began with a flypast by three Mirage aircraft of thePAF, upgraded with modern avionics and armament packs that dropped flares and dispersed in a bomb burst. It was followed by the aerobatics show by the lone F-16 known as Solo Turk by the Turkish Air Force, an event that tested the machine and the pilot to the limits.

Solo Turk got a loud applause for flying past the dais at near the speed of sound equivalent to 650km per hour on ground.

The six-member team of Saudi Hawks was the next to enthrall the big crowd by flying in different formations.

In Karachi, the air show was held at Sea View in which Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was the chief guest.

At the Wagah Border, Pakistan Rangers officials presented sweets to Indian Border Security Force personnel. In the evening, thousands of people attended the traditional flag-lowering ceremony.

Earlier, the day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital along with a 21-gun salute in each provincial capital.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies were also held in the provincial capitals and district headquarters, while change-ofguard ceremonies were held at Mazari-Quaidin Karachi and Mazar-i-Iqbalin Lahore.