Pakistan marks 79th Independence Day as leaders call for national unity, economic progress

Pakistan celebrated its 79th Independence Day with national zeal and fervour on Friday, as President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and 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 paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s founders, martyrs and veterans, while calling for national unity, peace, economic progress and a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters, while special prayers were offered for the peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country, Radio Pakistan reported.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held across the country, while buildings, streets and public places were decorated with national flags, buntings and colourful lights.

The Change of Guard ceremony was also held at the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.

President Zardari pays tribute to martyrs, calls for reforms and greater opportunities for youth

President Asif Ali Zardari extended his heartfelt greetings to Pakistanis at home and abroad on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, saying the day was a reminder of the sacrifices that made Pakistan possible.

In his Independence Day message, the president paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement, and all those who sacrificed their homes and livelihoods in the struggle for a homeland.

He said independence was not only a historic achievement but also a responsibility that each generation must carry forward.

President Zardari said the events surrounding Marka-e-Haq had demonstrated that Pakistan sought peace while also possessing the resolve and capacity to defend its sovereignty and national interests.

He paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police, and honoured the sacrifices of their families, saying their courage had helped safeguard the nation against external aggression and terrorism.

The president said Pakistan had effectively used its channels of communication, geographical location and diplomatic capital to encourage dialogue and de-escalation in the region at a time when wider conflict could have had serious consequences.

He said Pakistan believed that disputes, however serious, must ultimately be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, and that the country would continue to support efforts aimed at reducing tensions and protecting regional stability.

Calling on the nation to focus on the work that would shape Pakistan’s future, President Zardari said the country needed to strengthen its economy, create greater opportunities for its youth, improve education and skills, and pursue governance, economic and social reforms so that the benefits of development reached every part of the country.

He said Pakistan’s greatest strength was its young people, who were demonstrating their talent across science, technology, business, education and the creative industries, and that it was the state’s responsibility to equip them with the education and opportunities to realise their potential.

The president said national progress must ultimately be judged by whether it improved the lives of ordinary Pakistanis, including young people finding careers, families accessing quality education and healthcare, and farmers, workers and businesses being able to plan for the future with confidence.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, President Zardari said Pakistan would continue to back a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions.

Turning to Afghanistan, the president said Pakistan had always respected and supported its neighbour’s national sovereignty despite historical differences, and expected the same in return.

He said it was regrettable that the interim Afghan regime was allowing terror groups to use its soil to launch attacks against neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, and alleged that the Afghan Taliban regime was collaborating with India in carrying out terror attacks against Pakistani civilians and security personnel in an attempt to distract from Pakistan’s internationally recognised peace-building efforts.

“I warn them to stop these evil actions against the people of Pakistan,” the president said, asserting that the armed forces of Pakistan were capable of defeating these designs.

President Zardari called upon all Pakistanis to contribute to the country’s progress in their respective fields and prayed for Allah Almighty’s protection and blessings for Pakistan, and for peace, prosperity and a better future for its people.

PM Shehbaz calls for unity, national resolve to advance Pakistan’s interests

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his warmest greetings to the nation on the occasion of Independence Day as Pakistan marked 79 years of freedom.

In his Independence Day message, the prime minister paid tribute to the founding leaders of Pakistan, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal, along with other stalwarts of the Pakistan Movement, saying the nation owed the fulfilment of its dream of an independent homeland to 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, adding that the Constitution and laws of the country ensured the fundamental rights of every citizen.

Highlighting the government’s economic achievements over the past two-and-a-half years, PM Shehbaz said the country had successfully navigated challenging circumstances to achieve economic stability and was now moving towards becoming a developed economy.

He noted that remittances from overseas Pakistanis had increased by US$11.3 billion over the past two years, which he termed a reflection of their confidence in government policies.

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

Paying tribute to the armed forces, the prime minister said the military, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, had demonstrated exemplary unity and courage during “Marka-e-Haq”, adding another chapter to the country’s history of defence.

He said Pakistan remained committed to defending its national interests, including its right to water resources, and reiterated that the country would continue to play its role as a responsible nation and a stabilising force for regional and global peace.

He cited the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye as testimony to the country’s growing strategic role in the region.

He said lasting peace in South Asia was contingent upon a diplomatic resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies who sacrificed their lives for the country, and called upon all segments of society, particularly political parties, to work together for national unity, integrity and the advancement of national interests.

He concluded his message by praying for Pakistan’s continued progress and dignity in the comity of nations.

Pakistan Armed Forces call for unity, tolerance and national cohesion on 79th Independence Day

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed 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 heartfelt felicitations to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, the military’s media wing said on Friday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Armed Forces, on the historic occasion, 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.

“Their vision, courage and resolve remain a guiding force for the nation and continue to inspire us to uphold the principles and ideals of Pakistan,” the ISPR said.

The ISPR also added that the Armed Forces of Pakistan respectfully acknowledged the supreme sacrifices of the country’s martyrs, the services of its veterans, the dedication of law enforcement personnel and the contributions of every Pakistani who has served the nation.

“Their courage and selfless service have bolstered Pakistan’s resilience and safeguarded its independence, security and national interests,” the statement added,

“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,” it said.

“United with the nation, the Armed Forces will remain steadfast in preserving peace and stability while creating an environment conducive to national progress and prosperity,” the ISPR said.

“Pakistan’s strength lies in the unity and collective resolve of its people,” the statement said.

“On this Independence Day, let us renew our commitment to the enduring principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline, strengthen national cohesion, promote tolerance and work together towards a secure, stable and prosperous Pakistan,” the statement concluded.