Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership stressed the need for unity and reforms as the nation marked 79 years of independence, with the day beginning with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute at provincial headquarters, alongside a change of guards ceremony at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, according to Radio Pakistan.
‘Pakistan’s Security Linked to Peace in Our Neighbourhood’
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the Quaid, the Pakistan Movement, and those who sacrificed their homes and security for the country, saying independence “is also a responsibility that each generation must carry forward.” He said the past year had reminded citizens of the nation’s strength, recalling last year’s brief conflict with India and saying it demonstrated that Pakistan seeks peace while retaining the resolve to defend its sovereignty. He paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement, and police and highlighted Pakistan’s role in encouraging regional dialogue and de-escalation.
Zardari said the country’s security is linked to the peace and stability of its neighborhood and the wider world and stressed the need to strengthen the economy, expand opportunities for young people, improve education and skills, and pursue governance, economic, and social reforms. He described Pakistan’s youth as its greatest strength and said national progress should ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in ordinary people’s lives, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to a peaceful resolution in line with UN resolutions and voiced concern over Afghanistan, accusing the Taliban-led interim government of allowing terrorist groups to operate from its soil and of collaborating with India against Pakistan. “I warn them to stop these evil actions against the people of Pakistan and assure all and sundry that the armed forces of Pakistan are capable of defeating these evil designs,” he said, closing his message with a call for all citizens to contribute to national progress.
‘Pakistan Committed to Defending Its National Interests’
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Pakistan’s founding leaders and highlighted the government’s economic achievements over the past two and a half years, noting that overseas remittances had risen by $11.3 billion, which he attributed to growing confidence in government policy. He said priorities going forward include modern IT adoption, innovation-driven industrial and agricultural growth, job creation, and building a world-class education and skills system.
Sharif praised the armed forces’ unity and courage during Marka-i-Haq under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s leadership and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending its national interests, including water rights, while continuing to act as a stabilizing force for regional peace. He cited the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as evidence of Pakistan’s expanding strategic role and expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Palestine, tying lasting South Asian peace to a diplomatic resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He called on all segments of society, particularly political parties, to work together for national unity.
‘Pakistan’s Strength Lies in the Unity of Its People’
CDF Munir, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu issued a joint Independence Day message via ISPR, paying tribute to the Quaid and those whose sacrifices secured Pakistan’s sovereignty. The armed forces acknowledged the sacrifices of martyrs, veterans, and law enforcement personnel and reaffirmed their resolve to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold the Constitution, and preserve peace and stability. “Pakistan’s strength lies in the unity and collective resolve of its people,” the statement said, calling for renewed commitment to unity and national cohesion.
Dar Reaffirms Determination to Safeguard Country’s Sovereignty
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a televised address, recalled the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq and Pakistan’s response to Indian aggression in 2025, reaffirming the country’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty while remaining committed to international law and regional peace.
Dar paid tribute to the Quaid and the leaders of the Pakistan Movement, describing the country today as “a resilient nation of more than 250 million people” bound by shared history and heritage. He pointed to Pakistan’s progress in education, science, economic development, and culture and highlighted the country’s growing international standing through expanding diplomacy, economic ties, and defense cooperation. He specifically cited last week’s defense accord with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia as reflecting Pakistan’s shared resolve to strengthen collective security and paid tribute to the armed forces, police, and paramilitary forces as a bulwark of national security.
