Pakistan marks 79th Independence Day with celebrations and diplomatic gains

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is marking its 79th Independence Day with flag-hoisting ceremonies, fireworks and public gatherings across the country, as people take to the streets and public spaces to celebrate the occasion.

Pakistan gained independence from British colonial rule on August 14, 1947, under the leadership of the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, following a prolonged political struggle and the sacrifices of its founding generation.

From Gilgit to Gwadar, streets, markets and public spaces are decorated with national flags and green-and-white colors as people express national pride and celebrate the occasion.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the people of Pakistan in his address to the nation.

“We remain profoundly grateful to Allah Almighty for blessing us with the invaluable gift of freedom in the form of our beloved homeland, Pakistan!” he said. 

The prime minister is paying tribute to the country’s founders, saying they “endured immense hardships” and made “unparalleled sacrifices” for the creation of Pakistan.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s achievements over the past year, Sharif said the country has “played a constructive role as a responsible nation and as a stabilizing force in promoting global peace, stability and regional cooperation.”

Last year, Pakistan marked a military victory against India. This year, the government is highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic role in regional conflicts and its emergence as a security partner in the region.

Sharif also refers to the recent “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing it as a “testament to Pakistan’s role in the region” and its emerging strategic strength.

Yadgar-e-Fatah

The Independence Day celebrations also feature the inauguration of the “Yadgar-e-Fatah” monument in Islamabad, built to commemorate Marka-e-Haq, or the “Battle of Truth,” against India last year.

The ceremony, which begins shortly before midnight, features parades by soldiers of Pakistan’s armed forces. Personnel from the civil armed forces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are also participating.

President Asif Ali Zardari is the chief guest at the ceremony and is accompanied by Prime Minister Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir. Senior civilian and military leaders are also attending the event.

The 80-foot-high monument features visual tributes displayed through a 3D illumination projection system.

‘Free homeland’

Addressing the inauguration of the “Yagdar-e-Fatah”, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif stated that this is the day when the inspiring leadership of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, “liberated the nation from the darkness of slavery and gave us the light of freedom.”

He added that as we celebrate Independence Day today, we bow before Allah Almighty, who, through His boundless grace and blessings, has bestowed upon us a free homeland.

“This is the day for which our elders made sacrifices, giving their lives and possessions, crossing rivers of blood. Mothers, sisters and daughters turned the edges of their shawls into the flag of freedom, and thus our beloved Pakistan came into being,” he added.

He added that the Minar-e-Pakistan stands as a living symbol of that great struggle, determination and sacrifice.

While talking about the armed forces of Pakistan, the prime minister added that our armed forces fought with such courage and valor that the enemy suffered a crushing defeat. 

“It is an unforgettable chapter in history.”

‘Supreme sacrifices of our martyrs’

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, on behalf of the armed forces, extend heartfelt felicitations to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.

In a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the armed forces pay “profound tribute” to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the country’s founding fathers and all those whose sacrifices transformed the aspiration for 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 statement says.

The armed forces reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against all threats, uphold the Constitution and discharge the “sacred trust” entrusted to them by the people, the statement says.

“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,” it adds.

The statement says Pakistan’s strength lies in the unity and collective resolve of its people.

President’s address

In his address marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, President Zardari is paying tribute to the sacrifices that led to the country’s creation.

He emphasized that independence is not only a historic achievement but also a “responsibility that each generation must carry forward.”

Reflecting on the past year, the president says, “The events surrounding Marka-e-Haq demonstrated that Pakistan seeks peace, but also possesses the resolve and capacity to defend its sovereignty and national interests.”

“Pakistan will continue to support efforts that reduce tensions, protect regional stability and create conditions for cooperation,” Zardari says.

The president is also addressing the broader geopolitical situation in the region.

“It is sad that the Taliban regime of Afghanistan is collaborating with India in launching terror attacks against Pakistani civilians and security personnel,” he says.

Zardari urges the Taliban government to “stop the evil actions” against the people of Pakistan and assures the nation that the country’s armed forces are capable of defeating threats to Pakistan’s security.