Saturday - August 19 - is being marked around the country as Afghanistan's 98th anniversary of independence.
 
Marking the occasion, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani laid a wreath early Saturday at the Minaret of Independence. 
 
Government officials and former president Hamid Karzai attended the wreath laying ceremony.

Independence was gained 98 years ago from Great Britain during King Amanullah Khan's rule.
 
Besides holding official ceremonies in the capital and provinces, members of the public will also celebrate the day by visiting family and holding picnics.