Nation celebrates Independence Day with patriotic zeal
Islamabad: Pakistan is marking its Independence Day today with heightened patriotic fervour, driven by its recent victory in Marka-e-Haq, the military operation against India that has bolstered national unity and pride.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in each provincial headquarters. Special prayers were held in mosques across the country, seeking peace, solidarity, and prosperity for Pakistan.
Buildings, streets, and markets across the country have been adorned with national flags, buntings, and lights. Vendors in cities and towns are selling flags, caps, and green-and-white clothing, while vehicles and rooftops proudly display the national emblem. Special programmes have been lined up on Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television and private media networks to mark the occasion.
On Wednesday evening, after Maghrib prayers, a grand ceremony marking Independence Day and celebrating the victory in the “Marka-e-Haq” was held at Jinnah Sports Complex in Islamabad. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the chiefs of the three armed forces attended the event, joined by members of the federal cabinet, parliamentarians from the National Assembly and Senate, ambassadors of friendly nations, and a large number of citizens. The ceremony featured a spectacular march-past by the musical bands of the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force, accompanied by smartly turned-out contingents from all three services, Punjab Rangers, and the Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also unveiled the model of the “Marka-e-Haq” Memorial, during the event.
In Karachi and Lahore, graceful change-of-guard ceremonies were held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal, respectively.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages on Independence Day said the day served as a reminder of courage, unity, and sacrifices that led to the creation of Pakistan and paid homage to founding father, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the workers of the Pakistan Movement for their struggle and sacrifices.
President Zardari emphasised in his message that 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.” He said that “faced with unjustified Indian aggression, Pakistan responded 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 that this victory has lifted the morale of the people, restored faith in our institutions, and enhanced Pakistan’s stature on the global stage. “Today, the world sees Pakistan as a country that seeks peace but does not bow to coercion.
President Zardari also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and 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.”
In his message, PM Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and national poet 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. “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 in a statement. He also paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Pakistan’s freedom, saying Marka-i-Haq was not just a military conquest, but also the victory of validation of a 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.”
While expressing resolve to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty, PM Shehbaz said “we reiterate our belief in the principles of peaceful coexistence and resolving the regional and global issues through dialogue and diplomacy. He said India needs to demonstrate the same will for the resolution of all disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also issued a statement in which the 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 Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, extended heartfelt greetings to the entire nation on the joyous occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day. “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,” the statement said. The military top brass paid homage to the founding fathers and honoured their “indomitable spirit, resolute determination, and unparalleled sacrifices [which] paved the way for independence.”
