Pakistan celebrated on Tuesday 60 years of independence from Britain amid an increasing political crisis and waves of violence ravaging the country.

Fireworks marked the inauguration of festivities that took place in Pakistan, as millions of people gathered on the streets of Islamabad and other major cities, waving flags and other national symbols.

Despite national joy, security troops were on high alert in order to prevent potential acts of terrorism targeting crowds and social events. Suicide attacks killed dozens only in Islamabad in the last month prompting government troops to tighten security during Tuesday’s celebrations.

Pakistan has a tumultuous history, the end of Britain’s rule representing the start of conflicts mostly fueled by sectarian hatred. A long desired independence brought turmoil in Pakistan, boundaries being modified during wars and resulted in the forming of a new state, Bangladesh.

Feuds with India continued for Pakistan, three bloody armed conflicts taking place before peace was finally installed in 2004. Martyrs were praised once more by people and leaders for their contribution to a free nation.

President Pervez Musharraf outlined the country’s progress since 1947, but stressed that a first step forward can be made during the elections that are drawing closer and closer. Musharraf urged the population to back the voting process in order for Pakistan to keep on progressing.

His speech comes in a time of political instability and a flare up of violence mainly in tribal regions, Musharraf being criticized by Afghanistan and the United States for his lack of action against pro-Taliban fighters and al-Qaeda members.

Other challenges were raised by politicians, after Chief of Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was dismissed by the president in March and later reinstalled. At that time, the dismissal sparked a wave of violence in Pakistan and many people considered Musharraf as being responsible for provoking another internal conflict.

At a point foreign intervention came into discussion, regardless of Musharraf’s alliance with the United States against terrorism. But the issue remained in the balance after President George W Bush said Pakistan is capable of handling insurgency and expects the Islamabad government to take “swift action.”

As the October elections close in, the leader will face his greatest challenge since he took the office in 1999, opposition members being expected to intensify their campaign against Musharraf’s current policy.