ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (Alliance News): Pakistan’s top political leadership reaffirmed its commitment to national unity, economic reforms and global peace as the nation celebrated its 79th Independence Day with traditional zeal and patriotism on Friday.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in all provincial capitals, while special prayers were offered across the country for peace, prosperity and national solidarity. A change of guard ceremony was also held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.
In his Independence Day message, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leaders of the Pakistan Movement and those who sacrificed everything for the creation of the country.
He said independence was not only a historic achievement but also a responsibility that every generation must fulfil by strengthening Pakistan through hard work, unity and national service.
The president said Marka-e-Haq had demonstrated Pakistan’s commitment to peace while proving the country’s ability to defend its sovereignty and national interests whenever required.
He paid tribute to the armed forces, police and law enforcement personnel who sacrificed their lives in protecting the country from external aggression and terrorism.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic role, President Zardari said Islamabad had used its strategic position and diplomatic engagement to encourage dialogue and de-escalation amid tensions in the Middle East.
He reiterated that Pakistan believes disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, adding that regional peace remains vital for the country’s security and development.
On the domestic front, the president stressed the need to strengthen the economy, improve governance, create greater opportunities for youth and implement reforms to build stronger institutions.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and called for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The president also said Pakistan respected Afghanistan’s sovereignty but expressed concern that the Afghan Taliban administration continued to allow terrorist groups to use Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s independence was achieved through the extraordinary sacrifices and vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and countless freedom fighters.
He said the country had overcome difficult economic challenges over the past two and a half years and was now moving steadily towards sustainable growth.
The prime minister noted that overseas Pakistanis had sent $11.3 billion more in remittances during the past two years, reflecting confidence in the government’s economic policies.
He said the government remained focused on promoting information technology, innovation, industrial growth, modern agriculture and skills development to accelerate national progress.
PM Shehbaz praised the armed forces for ensuring Pakistan’s defence remained strong, saying their professionalism and unity during Marka-e-Haq, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, demonstrated the country’s unwavering resolve.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to defend its sovereignty and protect its national interests, including its water rights.
The prime minister also described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as evidence of Pakistan’s growing strategic importance and constructive regional role.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine and IIOJK, he reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support for their legitimate rights and called for peaceful resolution of regional disputes through diplomacy.
PM Shehbaz urged all political parties and segments of society to work together for national unity, economic development, peace and stability, saying collective efforts were essential to building a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
