Key Points
- Babar Azam stirred national pride on X, invoking Jinnah’s principles of unity, faith, and discipline
- Shahid Afridi inspired the youth, calling the homeland a garden nurtured by sacrifice and full of dreams
- Cricket stars Waqar Younis, Dahani, and Kamran Akmal shared powerful Independence Day tributes
- PCB released a heartfelt video featuring national players and coach Mike Hesson sharing patriotic messages
- Haris Rauf stood with Pakistan Army soldiers in a mountainous tribute, as athletes from other sports also joined the celebration
ISLAMABAD: As green and white flags fluttered across the nation, Pakistan’s cricketing heroes- past and present – joined millions in celebrating the country’s 78th Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq, turning to social media to share messages of unity, hope, and unwavering national pride.
At the heart of the celebrations was former captain and fan-favourite Babar Azam, who took to platform X (formerly Twitter) with a stirring tribute to the founding values of Pakistan. “Unity, faith, and discipline — these are not just words, they are our strength,” he penned. “Pakistan came into being when all hearts beat together… If we stand united today, no challenge can break us tomorrow.”
Ittehad, Imaan aur Tanzeem, yeh sirf alfaaz nahi, hamari quwat hain
14th August reminds us that Pakistan was built when hearts beat together, when faith never wavered, and when discipline turned dreams into reality. If we stand united today, no challenge can break us tomorrow.… pic.twitter.com/IlIOwLyzOf
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) August 13, 2025
Joining him in patriotic fervour, cricket legend Shahid Afridi addressed the youth directly, encouraging them to protect and honour the legacy of sacrifice. “O youth of my nation, this homeland is yours,” he wrote. “This garden, fragrant with the scent of sacrifices, holds your dreams — waiting for your actions.”
اے میرے وطن کے نوجوانو
یہ وطن تم سے ہے
قربانیوں کی خوشبو سے مہکتا یہ چمن،
تمہارے خواب ہیں تمہارے عمل کے منتظر#یومِ_آزادی2025#پاکستان_زندہ_باد
unity #faith #discipline# pic.twitter.com/qgzLdr6XnO— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 14, 2025
From the field to the digital stage, the spirit of celebration echoed throughout the cricketing fraternity. Young pace star Shahnawaz Dahani posted a picture with a flag held high, captioned with pride: “Raise your country’s flag high.” Former pacer Waqar Younis offered scenic visuals in tribute, while ex-wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal kept it simple but powerful with a patriotic shout: “Pakistan Zindabad forever.”
Happy Independence Day Everyone 🇵🇰. #PakZindabad #14thAugust2025 pic.twitter.com/tFKPTg0YQX
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) August 14, 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) added its voice with a special Independence Day video featuring national team players and head coach Mike Hesson, each sharing heartfelt greetings and national pride.
یومِ آزادی مبارک!
Members of the Pakistan men’s team extend wishes to every citizen on Independence Day 🇵🇰👏#PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/dRJw5enPwJ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 14, 2025
In a moving gesture of solidarity, fast bowler Haris Rauf shared a video from a mountainous region, standing shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan Army soldiers, a salute not just to the land, but to those who defend it.
Beyond cricket, stars from across Pakistan’s sporting world joined in. Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem urged the nation to celebrate with “great enthusiasm,” while tennis ace Aisam-ul-Haq, hockey legend Islahuddin, wrestler Inam Butt, and members of the women’s cricket team lit up social media with messages drenched in green and gold.
From stadiums to screens, from mountains to cities, the chorus was clear: Pakistan lives in the hearts of its heroes and on this 78th Independence Day, they reminded the nation that the game of patriotism is always worth playing.
