By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan marked its 79th Independence Day on Thursday with nationwide celebrations centred on a recent military victory over India, as leaders urged unity and paid tribute to the armed forces for defending the nation’s sovereignty during a brief but intense conflict earlier this year.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the day’s significance as a reminder of the courage, unity and sacrifices that led to Pakistan’s creation, while linking it to the “Marka-i-Haq” — the state’s term for the clash with India that ended in a US-brokered ceasefire on May 10.
The festivities began at dawn with a 31-gun salute in the capital Islamabad and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Special prayers were offered in mosques across the country for peace, solidarity and prosperity, as buildings were adorned with national flags and lights.
The main flag-hoisting ceremony took place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, where Sharif unfurled the national flag in the presence of Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, cabinet members, parliamentarians and school students. A similar ceremony was held at the Supreme Court, with Chief Justice Yahya Afridi raising the flag.
In his message, Zardari said the nation had “reaffirmed its strength, resolve, and unity in the face of external aggression”.
“Our success in Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos is a landmark moment in our history,” he said. “It was a demonstration of unshakable national will, professional excellence, and united purpose.”
Zardari noted that Pakistan had responded to “unjustified Indian aggression” with “clarity, courage and restraint”. “The world witnessed a nation that is peace-loving, but fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He said the victory had given Pakistanis “a sense of renewed confidence”, lifting morale, restoring faith in institutions and enhancing the country’s global stature. “Today, the world sees Pakistan as a country that seeks peace but does not bow to coercion.”
He also expressed solidarity with the people of India-occupied Kashmir, saying “their courage and struggle for justice and their right to self-determination remain close to our hearts. “Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering diplomatic, moral, and political support until their right to self-determination is realised.”
Sharif, in his message, paid tribute to founding father Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, along with other leaders and workers of the independence movement, for uniting the nation “under one vision, one mission and one goal”.
“Their relentless efforts changed the course of the history with the establishment of an independent, ideological state, thus realising a seemingly impossible dream into a reality,” he said. “The past 78 years tell a tale of resilience, strong faith and a hope of a bright future when as a nation, we braved several difficult challenges,” he stated. “Despite this, Pakistan achieved a series of milestones of success and achievements in every field.”
Sharif paid tribute to martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan’s freedom, describing Marka-i-Haq as “not just a military conquest, but also the victory of validation of the Two-Nation Theory”. “Pakistan’s historic victory in Marka-i-Haq during the four-day war imposed by India has not only reinforced the sanctity of our freedom, but has also instilled a renewed sense of ambition and national spirit in the hearts of our people, magnifying the pride and fervour of this Independence Day.”
The military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, congratulated the nation and vowed to safeguard sovereignty and unity.
“As guardians of national security, we reaffirm our unwavering resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold the Constitution, and protect the values that define our national identity,” said a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). “The unbreakable bond between the armed forces and the people is the cornerstone of our collective strength.”
They paid homage to the founding fathers for their “indomitable spirit, resolute determination, and unparalleled sacrifices”, calling it “an enduring beacon of guidance”. “On this Independence Day, let us renew our resolve to strive for peace, progress, and unity, upholding the ideals of Faith, Unity, and Discipline to realise the dream of a resilient, prosperous, and progressive Pakistan.”
In Islamabad, the armed forces showcased defence equipment at Shakarparian Parade Ground, including weapons, aircraft, tanks, artillery, rocket launchers, military vehicles, armoured carriers and radars used in Marka-i-Haq. The Pakistan Air Force performed a fly-past and para-jumping demonstration.
In Sindh province, a change of guard ceremony was held at Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi, where cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy assumed duties. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to Jinnah and called for unity against terrorism, poverty and ignorance. Governor Kamran Khan Tessori said on X: “This day reminds us of unity, sacrifice and renewed resolve. This year, the joy of freedom has increased manifold after defeating India decisively in the battle of truth on May 10.”
In Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed gratitude for “providing the chance to live a dignified life on a free land”. “Pakistan is a bright lamp whose light is shining on the world. Pakistan is our pride and glory; we are nothing without Pakistan,” she said.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held in Lahore at the Directorate General of Public Relations and the Minorities Affairs department, where Minister Ramesh Singh Arora raised the flag, planted a sapling and cut a cake. A change of guard occurred at Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum, with Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan laying a wreath. Prayers were offered at Badshahi Masjid for peace and stability.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi hoisted the flag at Governor House in Peshawar and cut a cake, attended by consul generals from the US, Iran and Afghanistan. “In Marka-i-Haq, Pakistan not only shattered India’s arrogance but also defended its borders and independence with full strength,” Kundi said.
At Dera Ismail Khan Police Lines, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur raised the flag, planted a sapling and paid respects at the Martyrs’ Memorial, with prayers offered for peace and prosperity.
In Balochistan, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti posted on X: “On this joyous Independence Day, every heart in Balochistan beats with love for Pakistan.”
“This sacred land is fragrant with the blood of those martyrs who sacrificed their everything to keep our flag flying high,” he said, pledging to “never back down from laying down our lives in defence of our motherland”. At a flag-hoisting on the Balochistan Assembly lawns, Bugti said the celebration had “exceptional significance, as the nation has defeated an adversary stronger than an enemy steeped in arrogance and pride”.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir held events with flag-raising, speeches, patriotic songs and a cake-cutting.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “On behalf of the United States, I extend our warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14.” He added the US “deeply appreciates Pakistan’s engagement on counterterrorism and trade”.
“We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships which will promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis.”
The Russian Embassy hailed Pakistan’s “significant progress in many areas”, while the Chinese embassy wished for the “ironclad friendship” to grow stronger.
As part of the celebrations, national honours were conferred on military and civilian leaders, as well as martyrs from Marka-i-Haq, at a ceremony at the Presidency.
Zardari and Sharif presented the awards to senior officials, members of the war cabinet and a diplomatic delegation.
According to ISPR, eight Sitara-i-Jurat, five Tamgha-i-Jurat, 24 Sitara-i-Basalat, 45 Tamgha-i-Basalat, 146 Imtiazi Asnad, 259 COAS Commendation Cards and one Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) were awarded to officers and enlisted men.
Munir received the Hilal-i-Jurat for leading the war effort from April 22 to May 10, with the citation noting his “unquestionable courage, military prowess, firm belief and unshakeable patriotism”.
Air Chief Sidhu got the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (military) for command during the May 6-7 air battle, bringing the air force’s motto “second to none” to reality. Naval Chief Ashraf received the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for “making Pakistan’s naval defence a reality and forcing the Indian Navy to withdraw”. General Mirza was awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (military) for advising on military affairs during Marka-i-Haq.
Dar received the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for “exposing India’s one-sided diplomatic attacks on the international stage and presenting Pakistan’s stance to the world to ensure regional peace”.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif got the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for “exceptional leadership and strategic contributions during the recent India-Pakistan war and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar was awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for “effectively and successfully presenting the national narrative on an international level during the recent Pakistan-India tensions”, ensuring coordination in countering propaganda.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar received it for “using legal means to serve the nation and challenge the illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, as well as the illegal killing of Pakistanis”.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was honoured for “ensuring national unity and keeping the peace in the face of intense attacks on civilians”.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari got the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for leading a delegation to New York, London and Brussels to present Pakistan’s stance.
Delegation members — Dr Musadik Malik, Senator Sherry Rehman, Khurram Dastigir, Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Faisal Subzwari, Tehmina Janua and Jalil Abbas Jilani — received the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for “presenting Pakistan’s stance across the world against India’s one-sided narrative”.
Posthumous awards went to martyrs including Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf (Shaheed) with Tamgha-i-Basalat, Senior Technician Najeeb Sultan (Shaheed) with Imtiazi Sanad, and others such as Havaldar Muhammad Naveed (Shaheed) with Tamgha-i-Basalat, Naik Waqar Khalid (Shaheed) with Tamgha-i-Basalat, and Sepoy Nisar Ali (Shaheed) with Sitara-i-Basalat.
ISI Director General Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Operations Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz, Deputy Chief of Air Staff Operations Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed and Director General Military Intelligence Maj Gen Wajid Aziz were among those awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (military).
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