Pakistan Marks 79th Independence Day with National Zeal, Leaders Reaffirm Unity, Peace and Progress

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Pakistan celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Friday with national zeal and fervour, as President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s top military leadership paid tribute to the sacrifices of the nation’s founders, martyrs and veterans, while reaffirming the resolve to strengthen national unity, sovereignty, peace and economic prosperity.

The day commenced with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters. Special prayers were offered for the peace, solidarity, progress and prosperity of the country.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held across Pakistan, while public and private buildings, streets and important places were decorated with national flags, buntings and colourful lights. A Change of Guard ceremony was also held at the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.

President Zardari Calls for Reforms, Opportunities for Youth

In his Independence Day message, President Asif Ali Zardari extended his heartfelt greetings to Pakistanis at home and abroad and paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement and all those who sacrificed their homes, livelihoods and lives for the creation of Pakistan.

The president said independence was not merely a historic achievement but a responsibility that every generation must carry forward.

Referring to the events surrounding Marka-e-Haq, President Zardari said Pakistan had demonstrated that while it desired peace, it possessed the resolve and capability to defend its sovereignty and national interests.

He paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police, as well as their families, whose sacrifices had helped protect the country against external aggression and terrorism.

The president said Pakistan had effectively utilised its communication channels, geographical position and diplomatic capital to promote dialogue and de-escalation at a time when wider regional conflict could have had serious consequences.

He reiterated that disputes, regardless of their complexity, must ultimately be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, adding that Pakistan would continue supporting efforts to reduce tensions and promote regional stability.

President Zardari stressed the need to strengthen the national economy, expand opportunities for youth, improve education and skills and undertake governance, economic and social reforms so that the benefits of development reached all segments of society.

He described the country’s youth as Pakistan’s greatest strength, noting their achievements in science, technology, business, education and the creative industries. He said it was the responsibility of the state to provide young people with quality education, skills and opportunities to realise their potential.

The president said national progress should ultimately be measured by improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, including access to quality education and healthcare, career opportunities for young people and greater certainty for farmers, workers and businesses.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said Pakistan would continue to support a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Regarding Afghanistan, President Zardari said Pakistan had always respected its neighbour’s sovereignty despite historical differences and expected the same from Afghanistan.

He expressed concern over the alleged use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups for attacks against neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, and warned that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully capable of thwarting threats to the country.

President Zardari called upon all Pakistanis to contribute to national development in their respective fields and prayed for Allah Almighty’s protection, peace and prosperity for Pakistan and its people.

PM Shehbaz Urges Unity, National Resolve

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his warmest greetings to the nation and paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and other leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement for their vision, statesmanship and sacrifices.

The prime minister said Pakistan, guided by Islamic teachings and the vision of the Quaid, guaranteed equal freedom to all citizens without discrimination, while the Constitution and laws protected their fundamental rights.

Highlighting the government’s economic performance over the past two-and-a-half years, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had successfully navigated difficult circumstances, achieved economic stability and was now moving towards becoming a developed economy.

He said remittances from overseas Pakistanis had increased by $11.3 billion over the past two years, describing the rise as a reflection of their confidence in government policies.

The prime minister said harnessing modern information technology, promoting innovation-driven industrial and agricultural development, generating employment and establishing a world-class education and skills system remained among the government’s key priorities.

Paying tribute to the armed forces, PM Shehbaz said the military, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, had demonstrated exemplary unity, courage and professionalism during Marka-e-Haq.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its national interests, including its rights over water resources, and said the country would continue playing the role of a responsible nation and a force for regional and global peace.

The prime minister referred to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a manifestation of Pakistan’s growing strategic role in the region.

He maintained that lasting peace in South Asia required a diplomatic settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

PM Shehbaz also paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies and called upon all segments of society, particularly political parties, to work collectively for national unity, integrity and the advancement of Pakistan’s national interests.

He concluded by praying for Pakistan’s continued progress, prosperity and dignity among the comity of nations.

Armed Forces Reaffirm Commitment to Sovereignty and National Unity

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, extended felicitations to the nation on the 79th Independence Day.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Armed Forces paid profound tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding fathers and all those whose sacrifices transformed the aspiration of freedom into the reality of a sovereign Pakistan.

The military leadership said the vision, courage and resolve of the country’s founders remained a guiding force for the nation and continued to inspire adherence to the principles and ideals of Pakistan.

The Armed Forces also acknowledged the supreme sacrifices of the country’s martyrs, the services of veterans, the dedication of law enforcement personnel and the contributions of every Pakistani who had served the nation.

It said their courage and selfless service had strengthened Pakistan’s resilience and safeguarded its independence, security and national interests.

“As guardians of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Armed Forces reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland against all threats, uphold the Constitution and discharge the sacred trust reposed in them by the people of Pakistan,” the ISPR said.

The Armed Forces reaffirmed that, united with the nation, they would remain steadfast in preserving peace and stability while creating an environment conducive to national progress and prosperity.

Emphasising that Pakistan’s strength lay in the unity and collective resolve of its people, the Armed Forces called upon the nation to renew its commitment to the enduring principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline, strengthen national cohesion, promote tolerance and work collectively for a secure, stable and prosperous Pakistan.