Pakistan celebrates 78th Independence Day with renewed spirit

Pakistan marked 78th Independence Day on Thursday with pride after the epic Marka-e-Haq victory over India in May.

This year Pakistan is celebrating Independence Day with a renewed pledge to uphold the spirit of the Pakistan Movement and work towards making the country a true Islamic welfare state.

The main flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif unfurled the national flag. The celebrations this year have been amplified by Pakistan’s recent victory in the Marka-e-Haq operation against India’s unprovoked aggression.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital Islamabad and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters, followed by special prayers in mosques for peace, solidarity, and prosperity.

Addressing the Independence Day ceremony in Islamabad late last night, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation, stating, “Today is not just a celebration of freedom, but a reminder of the struggle for the Two-Nation Theory.”

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister thanked the friendly countries for supporting Pakistan during the standoff with India. He declared this year's Independence Day as a celebration of the “Marka-i-Haq”, referencing the events of May 10, when, he said, “Pakistan emerged as a new nation.”

On the occasion Prime Minister announced the formation of the Army Rocket Force, marking a major development in Pakistan's defence strategy. Paying tribute to national heroes, the Prime Minister honoured the sacrifices of martyrs and lauded the efforts of founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the national poet Allama Iqbal and the pioneers of the Pakistan movement.

While praising the leadership of Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan responded decisively and humiliated India within four days, stating, “Future generations in India will remember this defeat.” “This historic victory proved that Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself,” he said. “Our nuclear capability is a deterrent, not a symbol of aggression.” A grand ceremony celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq was celebrated at Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Stadium. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the event as chief guests.

The event was also attended by the ambassadors from friendly countries. The music band comprising all the three armed forces performed a spectacular march-past. The military contingents from brotherly countries of Türkiye and Azerbaijan also participated in Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations. The event is part of the Independence Day celebrations, showcasing the country’s military strength, rich heritage, and unity, with dignitaries and citizens expected to witness the grand display.

The troops of brotherly countries took part in the parade and also performed march-past on the occasion. Major government and private buildings have been adorned with national flags, buntings, and vibrant decorative lights. Streets, shops, and homes across the country reflect the festive spirit of the national holiday.

Pakistan Independence Day is observed annually on 14 August. It commemorates the day when Pakistan achieved independence from the United Kingdom and was declared a sovereign state in 1947. The nation came into existence as a result of the Pakistan Movement, which aimed for the creation of an independent Muslim state in the Indian Subcontinent. The Pakistan movement was led by the All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.