World leaders congratulate Pakistan on Independence Day

Felicitations pour in from US, China, UAE, Russia and others

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan marked its Independence Day on Thursday, the United States and China extended congratulatory messages, with Islamabad-Washington ties showing renewed diplomatic and economic momentum.Pakistan-specific travel guide

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to X to congratulated the people of Pakistan and expressed appreciation for Islamabad’s engagement on counterterrorism and trade.

He reiterated US President Donald Trump’s intention to explore “new areas of economic cooperation in critical minerals and hydrocarbons” between the two countries.

“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,” said Rubio.

His remarks come amid improving ties between Islamabad and Washington.

On August 11, the United States designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as foreign terrorist organizations.

The move coincided with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s second visit to the US.

Pakistan has long accused the BLA of receiving external support and carrying out attacks inside the country.

US has also committed to investing in Pakistan’s energy and mineral mining sectors following a trade agreement that includes support for oil reserve development and tariff reductions.

The two sides recently held a counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad.

The Russian Embassy in Islamabad also congratulated Pakistan on its 78th Independence Day, praising the country’s progress since its creation in 1947.

In a post on X, the embassy said people of Pakistan “can rightly be proud of their country” and extended wishes for “success, prosperity and well-being” to its citizens, ending with the greeting, “Youm-e-Azadi Mubarak”.

The Pakistan Embassy in Beijing organized a dignified flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate Independence Day.

The event also celebrated the historic victory in Marka-e-Haq during Operation Bunyanum-Marsoos.

The ceremony commenced with hoisting of the national flag by Deputy Head of Mission Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary.

The Embassy of France in Pakistan extended its “warmest congratulations to the people and Government of Pakistan on the occasion of Independence Day,” adding, “Happy Independence Day to all Pakistanis!”

Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a post on X, also congratulated “friendly and brotherly Pakistan” on its Independence Day, adding the slogan “Pakistan Zindabad!”.

Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan said EU Ambassador Riina Kionka extended heartfelt wishes to the country on its 78th Independence Day, adding, “Together, we celebrate friendship and unity, because we are stronger together.”

UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, attended a gathering celebrating Pakistan’s Independence at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai.

The event, organised by the social platform ‘Emirates Loves Pakistan’, attracted more than sixty thousand attendees, including diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and Pakistani community members from across the UAE.

In his address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan congratulated the Pakistani people and highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the UAE and Pakistan, based on shared values, mutual respect, and a collective vision for peace and prosperity.

Via a post on X, the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry also extended ‘our most sincere and heartfelt congratulations to the brotherly People and the Government of Pakistan on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day,’.

It concluded with ‘Long Live Pakistan! Happy Independence Day!’.