On Friday, Pakistan celebrated its 79th Independence Day with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging citizens to reaffirm their dedication to the nation’s development, peace, and unity. He paid homage to the leaders and countless individuals whose sacrifices made the country’s creation possible.
In his message, the prime minister extended greetings to Pakistanis both within the country and abroad. He highlighted that freedom was achieved through the steadfast determination of the Pakistan Movement’s leaders, the sacrifices of its people, and the grace of Allah. He honored Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and other key figures whose political efforts unified Muslims across the subcontinent around the vision of a separate homeland.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that August 14, 1947, provided Pakistanis a nation where they could live with dignity in accordance with their religious and cultural values. He underscored that the Constitution and laws guarantee equal rights for all citizens irrespective of race or color.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Pakistan has advanced steadily in sectors such as defense, economy, industry, agriculture, education, science, technology, media, and sports. The prime minister acknowledged the country’s talented youth, skilled workforce, professionals, farmers, and laborers as pillars ensuring a prosperous future.
Focusing on economic growth, the prime minister reflected on the government’s efforts over the past two and a half years to stabilize the economy. He emphasized the country’s current trajectory toward becoming a developed economy, prioritizing modern information technology, innovation-driven sustainable industrial and agricultural development, public welfare initiatives, employment generation, and a world-class education and skills framework.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb echoed this optimism, stating that Pakistan is progressing with renewed confidence as economic stability strengthens, reforms move from policy to implementation, and fiscal and external indicators improve. He outlined the government’s goals of accelerating growth, attracting investment, boosting exports, and creating jobs, while acknowledging that significant work remains ahead.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal also called for national unity to drive economic advancement, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to demonstrate strength not only in defense but also in economic, intellectual, scientific, and technological arenas. He reminded citizens that Independence Day embodies the principles of faith, unity, and discipline championed by Quaid-i-Azam, urging them to integrate these values into daily life.
In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the armed forces for their dedication in protecting the country against threats. He highlighted their unity, determination, and courage under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, stating that Pakistan would not compromise on defense, water resources, or national interests. The prime minister described Pakistan as a resolute and dignified nation emerging as a responsible regional actor committed to peace, stability, and cooperation.
He referred to the recently signed joint defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye in Makkah as a testament to Pakistan’s growing strategic influence and regional strength.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his Independence Day address, emphasized that freedom carries ongoing responsibility. He stressed that each generation must strive to make Pakistan stronger, safer, and more prosperous. Reflecting on the Marka-e-Haq exercise, Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s peaceful intentions alongside its capability to defend sovereignty. He urged the use of power for peace and public welfare, reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent support for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve regional conflicts.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Palestinians and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, pledging continued principled support for their rights. He underscored that lasting peace in South Asia depends on a diplomatic resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations resolutions, international law, and Kashmiri aspirations. President Zardari also reiterated Islamabad’s backing for a settlement based on these principles.
Addressing Afghanistan, the president expressed respect for its sovereignty but voiced concern over Afghan territory being used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan and neighboring countries. He called on the Afghan Taliban to cease hostile actions against Pakistani civilians and security forces, warning that Pakistan’s military is fully capable of countering such threats.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) conveyed Independence Day greetings from Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. The military honored Quaid-i-Azam, the country’s founders, and martyrs of the independence movement, as well as military personnel, veterans, and law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service.
The armed forces reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests. They emphasized their determination to protect the nation from all threats while upholding the Constitution and working alongside citizens to maintain peace and stability. The ISPR highlighted that Pakistan’s true strength lies in the unity and collective resolve of its people, urging the nation to enhance cohesion, promote tolerance, and collaborate for a secure and prosperous future.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the millions who laid the foundations of Pakistan with their blood, honoring those who sacrificed for the country’s defense, peace, and anti-terrorism efforts. He stressed that the internal and external challenges Pakistan faces can only be overcome if the nation sets aside personal interests and unites in support of the country.
