Key points
- Pakistan celebrates 78th Independence Day
- We celebrate this Independence Day with a sense of renewed pride: President
- Shehbaz pays tribute to martyrs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have urged the nation to rise above divisions and stand united for a Pakistan that is built on the principles of justice, equality and service to all.
In their separate messages on the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan, which is being celebrated on Thursday, they extended heartfelt congratulations to all Pakistanis at home and abroad.
They said, “This day is a reminder of courage, unity and sacrifices that led to the creation of Pakistan. The entire nation pays homage to the founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the workers of the Pakistan Movement for their struggle and sacrifices.
Renewed pride and hope
The president said we celebrate this Independence Day with a sense of renewed pride and hope as the nation has reaffirmed its strength and unity in the face of external aggression in May this year.
He said, “Our success in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos was a demonstration of unshakable national will and unity of purpose. This victory has given our people a sense of renewed confidence, restored faith in our institutions and enhanced Pakistan’s stature globally.”
The President also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated Pakistan’s diplomatic, moral and political support until their right to self-determination is realised.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Pakistan’s freedom.
He said, “Marka-e-Haq was not just a military conquest, but also the validation of the Two-Nation Theory, which is the foundation of our dear homeland.”
Shehbaz Sharif said the government was utilising all resources to make the country effectively meet the economic, industrial and technological demands of the present era.
The prime minister called for demonstrating the spirit of Marka-e-Haq and Pakistan Movement for a strong and stable economy, which he said was inevitable for national defence and sovereignty.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag to mark the celebration of the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan.
The main flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan Monument – an iconic structure representing the national unity and strength of the Pakistani people.
According to Radio Pakistan, the event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, federal ministers and dozens of students.
As the prime minister arrived at the venue, children attired in national cultural dresses presented him with flowers.
