Pakistan marked its 75th Independence Day Saturday with ceremonies across the country and an exchange of sweets at the border with India. 

The festivities began with a 31-gun salute in the capital, Islamabad, followed by 21-gun salutes in all four provincial capitals. Troops at the border exchanged candy with Indian soldiers. The two countries have skirmished repeatedly – and fought four wars – since gaining their independence.

In Islamabad, President Arif Alvi praised the country's security forces for "setting an example" in fighting terrorism. Pakistan is battling a surge in COVID-19 cases that has sent daily deaths to their highest level in nearly three months.

The celebrations also come amid a rapid collapse of provincial governments in neighboring Afghanistan as Taliban forces drive toward Kabul.

Some in Pakistan would welcome a Taliban victory, but others are wary of the wave of refugees it could send flooding across the border, as well as the boost it could provide for extremist movements within Pakistan.

Pakistan and India gained their freedom from the United Kingdom in the same 1947 law but mark the occasion on different days. India holds its Independence Day celebrations Sunday.

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