ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was marked by powerful calls for unity, justice, and steadfast resolve from the nation’s political and military leadership, setting a tone of collective purpose for the country’s future.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his Independence Day address, praised the resilience of the Pakistani nation in the face of adversity. Highlighting the recent Marka-e-Haq operation, he said the nation had shown the world its determination to safeguard sovereignty through courage and professionalism. He stressed that the same spirit must now be channelled towards rebuilding the economy, strengthening institutions, and ensuring justice for all citizens.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his message to honour Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal, paying tribute to their vision for a unified and prosperous Pakistan. He called for a new national consensus through a “Misaq-e-Istehkam-e-Pakistan” — a charter of stability designed to bring political forces together beyond party divides, prioritising national interest over political gains.
The military leadership echoed this theme of unity. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu extended Independence Day greetings to the nation. They pledged unwavering commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty, upholding the Constitution, and protecting the country’s ideological frontiers.
Across the country, Independence Day celebrations were held with patriotic zeal — from flag-hoisting ceremonies and parades to cultural events that reflected the diverse yet united spirit of the Pakistani people. The messages from the top leadership carried a single, resonant theme: Pakistan’s future rests on unity, justice, and the collective will to rise above challenges.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.