As Pakistan celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Friday, numerous world leaders and allied nations offered their heartfelt congratulations, honoring the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers. The day’s observances commenced with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad, accompanied by a 21-gun salute across provincial capitals. In Karachi, an elegant change of guard ceremony took place at the Mazar-e-Quaid mausoleum.
In a significant development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described Pakistan’s Independence Day as an important moment to recognize the accomplishments of the Pakistani nation. He emphasized that the shared interests and destinies of Tehran and Islamabad have never been more intertwined, highlighting the increasing necessity for enhanced coordination and cooperation between the two countries. President Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s dedication to deepening comprehensive relations with Pakistan and expressed readiness to advance bilateral ties by leveraging mutual trust, respect, and the extensive potential both nations possess. He also prayed for Pakistan’s continued development, prosperity, and the strengthening of the longstanding brotherly bonds between the two countries.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan. He noted that through collaboration in areas such as regional mediation, critical minerals, energy, counterterrorism, cultural heritage, and trade and investment, the two nations are converting shared capabilities into tangible progress benefiting both American and Pakistani populations. Rubio reaffirmed the enduring partnership and friendship between the United States and Pakistan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed his Independence Day wishes to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing hopes for peace, prosperity, and well-being among Pakistan’s citizens. Putin remarked that relations between Russia and Pakistan are progressing successfully, with ongoing fruitful cooperation in political, trade, economic, humanitarian, and other sectors. He further noted that Moscow and Islamabad maintain collaboration on key regional and global matters, expressing confidence in the continued strengthening of their bilateral partnership in the mutual interests of their peoples.
Additionally, Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa extended his felicitations to Pakistan on this special occasion. Turkiye, which recently entered into a joint defense agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, also congratulated the “friendly and brotherly Pakistan” on its Independence Day. Azerbaijan offered warm congratulations as well, celebrating Pakistan’s 79 years of independence.
Egypt’s foreign ministry expressed eagerness to deepen the historic friendship and enhance partnerships between Cairo and Islamabad for the benefit of both nations. Germany’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ina Lepel, shared a video message on social media, extending her congratulations and expressing hopes for peace, prosperity, and development in Pakistan, alongside stronger bilateral ties.
Separately, former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih sent his greetings and best wishes to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the Pakistani people. In his message, Solih expressed optimism that the longstanding fraternal relations between the Maldives and Pakistan would continue to grow stronger.
