ISLAMABAD: A spectacular state ceremony was held at Jinnah Sports Stadium in Islamabad as Pakistan marks its 78th Independence Day alongside celebrations of its recent victory in Operation Marka-e-Haq against India.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were the chief guests on the occasion.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Atta Tarar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also attend the grand celebrations.
The event was also attended by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Naval Chief, the Air Chief, ambassadors from friendly countries, federal ministers, members of parliament, and a large number of citizens.
A large number of national and international dignitaries attended the event, which was broadcast live across various platforms.
An impressive tri-services parade by the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force showcased military precision and Pakistan’s national pride. Military contingents from Pakistan’s friendly countries, Turkiye and Azerbaijan, also participated in the parades.
As the national flag was brought in, the audience stood to give a warm welcome. The flag-bearing contingent executed an impressive march-past, and the spectators saluted the national flag while standing.
The Pakistan Air Force enthralled spectators with a fly-past. The music band comprising all three armed forces performed a spectacular march-past.
The event served as a tribute to Marka-e-Haq, which is being celebrated for its strategic and symbolic significance.
The parade members also made formations spelling out freedom and Marka-e-Haq, and in the shape of the national flag.
Prime Minister Sharif also unveiled the Marka-e-Haq Monument during the event, marking Pakistan’s success against India during the war in May.
Pakistan had named the period of conflict with India from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the May 10 conclusion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos as Marka-e-Haq in May.
Marka-e-Haq victory
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people.
India blamed Pakistan-based elements for the assault but provided no evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly denied the Indian allegations.
The Pakistan Armed Forces conducted Operation Bunyanum Marsoos on May 10 as part of the military operation ‘Marka-e-Haq’ in response to the Indian military’s attacks that began on the night of May 6 and 7, resulting in the loss of innocent civilian lives, including women, children, and the elderly.
The confrontation erupted on May 6–7 as India launched its attack against Pakistan, which spiralled into the gravest military clash between the South Asian neighbours in decades.
Despite repeated warnings from the Pakistani government, India, fuelled by its media’s war-driven rhetoric, continued provocative actions, including frequent drone incursions, which ultimately prompted Pakistan to retaliate.
Pakistan intercepted multiple BrahMos supersonic missiles before launching the military operation on May 10, deploying its Al-Fatah missile system and targeting multiple Indian military installations.
Key targets included BrahMos storage facilities at Beas and S-400 air defence systems at Adampur and Bhuj.
Moreover, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian jets, including French Rafale, and carried out strikes on several Indian airbases.
Following these developments, India requested intervention from US President Donald Trump, which ultimately led to a ceasefire agreement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours on May 10.
Independence Day celebrations
At Shakarparian Parade Ground in Islamabad, military aircraft, tanks, artillery, radars, and other weapons used in the battle against India are on public display.
From the federal capital Islamabad to Lahore, Peshawar, and smaller towns and villages, the entire nation is brimming with patriotic energy to mark the special day.
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 upcoming national holiday.
Markets and roadside stalls are buzzing with activity as people flock to buy Independence Day merchandise—green-and-white flags, badges, shirts, toys, and stickers, all themed around Pakistan’s national colours.
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.
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.
In Karachi, a grand musical concert was held at the National Stadium, organised by the Sindh government. The event officially began with the national anthem.
Renowned artists, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sajjad Ali, Hadiqa Kiani, Kaifi Khalil, the Lyrum Band, Arsalan Sheikh, DJ Saqlain, and Natalia Gul, performed at the concert.
In Punjab, the provincial government is organising celebrations with a unique twist this year. Special tributes will be paid to the martyrs and veterans of the nation’s battles for truth and justice.
In Lahore, preparations for official ceremonies are underway at iconic locations such as Hazoori Bagh and Minar-e-Pakistan. Public parks and recreational areas are also being decorated for the occasion.
