Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has invited all political parties to become part of the Meesaaq-e-Istehkaam-e-Pakistan to ensure durable progress and stability in the country. He was speaking at a special grand ceremony in Islamabad tonight marking the country’s Independence Day and the victory in Marka-e-Haq.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized that despite differences, the nation must stand united in the larger interest of the country. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan has bravely fought and defeated terrorism and will never allow such a menace to re-emerge. He stated that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, no one will be allowed to act against the state.
Highlighting the significance of Marka-e-Haq, the Prime Minister said it gave birth to a nation determined to defend the homeland envisioned by its founding fathers. He announced the establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command, equipped with modern technology to tackle threats from all dimensions, further enhancing the country’s defense capabilities. He affirmed that Pakistan’s nuclear program is solely for defensive purposes.
The Prime Minister thanked Pakistan’s friends, including China, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Qatar, UAE, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, for rejecting India’s baseless allegations and supporting Pakistan diplomatically during India’s unprovoked aggression in May this year. He also expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his role in the ceasefire between Pakistan and India and voiced hope for his support in resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in lines with UN Security Council’s resolutions.
Turning towards the economy, Shehbaz Sharif said his government has prioritized public welfare and development, pointing to a decline in inflation, a vibrant stock market, and restored investor confidence. He emphasized the role of the youth as the vanguards of the nation and the pivot of hopes, urging them to build on the foundations of a strong future.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who, in cooperation with the civilian government, ensured synergy at different levels of national development, from the National Action Plan to the National Economic Plan. The Prime Minister extended special Independence Day felicitations to overseas Pakistanis, lauding them for their contribution to the economic progress of the country, augmented by a historic 38 billion dollars in terms of remittances.
Highlighting the pain of oppressed people of Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who are bereft of freedom, Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s principled position that it always has and will continue to stand with the Palestinian and Kashmiri brethren.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the Marka-e-Haq monument as a mark of remembrance of the successful campaign that reshaped the hopes and aspirations of the people of Pakistan, kindling a new spirit in them. President Asif Ali Zardari was the chief guest of the ceremony while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly, members of the federal cabinet, and services chiefs also graced the occasion with their presence. A large number of national and international dignitaries also attended the ceremony.
Smartly turned-out contingents of the Youm-e-Azaadi Marka-e-Haq parade presented the march past at the ceremony. The marching columns of the parade featured contingents from the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force, along with armed forces from friendly countries including Azerbaijan and Turkiye, as well as the Pakistan Rangers (Punjab), Special Services Group, and Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A presidential salute was presented to the chief guest by the parade while the PAF falcons performed a spectacular flypast over the venue. Brass bands representing different regiments of the Pakistan Army presented a stirring rendition of various national songs and created different formations.
A short documentary titled ‘Ta Abad Pakistan’ was screened on the occasion, depicting the nation’s journey from the challenges faced since its creation to its achievements and progress across all spheres of life. Another video film prepared by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and ISPR titled ‘wa tu izzo man tashaa’ was also shown on the occasion, recounting the events and successes of the Marka-e-Haq campaign.
The ceremony was not just a commemoration of Pakistan’s hard-earned independence but also a homage to the Marka-e-Haq campaign in May this year that epitomized the courage, sacrifice, and steadfastness of the armed forces. It was in this campaign that the armed forces of Pakistan delivered a decisive and coordinated response to Indian aggression, demonstrating operational excellence across all domains and inflicting a crippling blow to the adversary. As the clock struck midnight, a spectacular display of fireworks illuminated the sky, marking the 79th Independence Day of the country.