Shehbaz stresses unity for safeguarding national interests

Grand ceremony held to mark I-Day, Marka-e-Haq
President, PM, military chiefs attend main event at Jinnah Stadium

Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The main ceremony marking Pakistan’s Independence Day and the Marka-e-Haq was held here at Jinnah Sports Stadium, with President Asif Ali Zardari as the chief guest.
President AsifZardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the chiefs of the three armed forces, and national and foreign dignitaries were also in attendance.
The event features a parade by the armed forces and an air show, while the prime minister unveiled the Marka-e-Haq Monument — to mark Pakistan’s success against India during the war against India in May.
At Shakarparian Parade Ground, military aircraft, tanks, artillery, radars, and other weapons used in the battle were on public display.
Earlier, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution paying tribute to the nation’s martyrs and reaffirming the resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and independence at all costs.
Across the country, celebrations are in full swing, with streets, neighbourhoods, and cities adorned in the green and white of the national flag.
In Punjab, rallies and events were held in Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Jhang, Narowal, and other cities. Sindh witnessed festivities in Sukkur, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Thatta, and Badin, while in Balochistan, rallies were held in Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Sibi, Bolan, Sohbatpur, Lehri, Gwadar, and other towns.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a special Independence Day celebration for the minority community was organised at the Mardan Commissioner’s Office, while in Karak, preparations reached their peak.
In Azad Kashmir, colourful events were held at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad, and a ‘Martyrs’ Honour March’ took place in Mirpur.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a message on the eve of independence dayextended his sincere invitation to all political parties and segments of the society to join hands with them in strengthening their resolve to safeguard the national interests.
Today, he said with gratitude to Almighty Allah, he extended his heartfelt felicitations to the nation on the celebration of the day.
“I pay tribute to Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the Thinker of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who along with other resolute leaders and workers of the Independence Movement united the nation under one vision, one mission and one goal,” he added.
Their relentless efforts changed the course of the history with the establishment of an independent, ideological state, thus realizing a seemingly impossible dream into a reality, he added.
“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. Despite this, Pakistan achieved a series of milestones of success and achievements in every field,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying.
From economy to sports and defence to information technology, he said Pakistanis with their unparalleled determination and courage have written exemplary chapters of knowledge and skills.
“Pakistan’s great victory in Marka-e-Haq during the war imposed by India on 6-10th May 2025 has not only increased the significance of freedom, but has also enliven a new ambition and enthusiasm in the hearts of Pakistanis, which has amplified the joy and celebrations of the Independence Day,” he observed.
With the blessings of Almighty Allah, the prime minister said their brave armed forces in their fight against India revived their past glory and shattered the false pride of enemy by acting as a Bunyan-um-Marsoos – a solid fortified wall.
The military capability, valour and faith of the brave soldiers and air warriors forced the enemy to kneel down, he said, adding “We pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom and offer prayers for the elevation of their ranks in eternal life.”
The prime minister further said that it was not merely a military conquest, but also the victory of the validation of a Two-Nation Theory, which was the foundation of our dear homeland, adding with same passion, they stood vigilant to defend and safeguard their national interests including water resources.