ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s civil and military leadership on Monday reaffirmed a unified and uncompromising resolve to eliminate terrorism and safeguard national security, as the country marked the 86th anniversary of Pakistan Day.
The messages on March 23 coincided with a temporary ceasefire with Afghanistan approaching its expiry at midnight, following days of relative calm during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Both countries had agreed last Wednesday to halt weeks of hostilities in observance of Eid, pausing escalating tensions along the border. However, Pakistani officials signalled that the pause would not alter Islamabad’s broader security policy.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored that Pakistan’s recent actions reflect a broader national determination to defend the country against all threats.
“23 مارچ 1940 کے تاریخی دن، قراردادِ لاہور نے مسلمانوں کو وہ عزم بخشا کہ محض سات سال کی قلیل مدت میں 14 اگست 1947 کو ہمارے آباؤ اجداد قائداعظم محمد علی جناح کی بصیرت افروز قیادت میں ایک علیحدہ وطن پاکستان حاصل کرنے میں کامیاب ہوئے۔
قیامِ پاکستان کے بعد اپنی پروقار تاریخ میں… pic.twitter.com/cBjOjGUAhb— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 23, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that on February 26, 2026, Pakistan responded to unprovoked aggression along its borders by launching Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq, describing it as a decisive step reflecting the nation’s firm resolve to counter terrorism, adding, “We will not allow any harm to the peace and security of our country.”
Sharif reiterated that Pakistan’s priority remains the protection of its citizens and the preservation of peace, while taking decisive action against all forms of militancy.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed the stance, reiterating that Pakistan remains firmly committed to eradicating terrorism in all its forms, and that its actions, including those beyond its borders, are directed towards ensuring the country’s security and stability.
یومِ پاکستان (23 مارچ 2026) کے موقع پر نائب وزیرِ اعظم و وزیرِ خارجہ، سینیٹر محمد اسحاق ڈار کا پیغام. pic.twitter.com/PTQ2ICoHVT
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 23, 2026
He emphasised that counterterrorism remains a central pillar of Pakistan’s national policy amid evolving regional challenges.
“Pakistan remains firmly committed to eradicating the menace of terrorism,” he said, adding that measures taken across the border are directed solely towards this objective.
🔊 Message of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 on the Occasion of Pakistan Day, March 23, 2026
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7V9a4BooiO
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 23, 2026
Separately, on the occasion of Pakistan Day, the country’s top military leadership reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to defending the nation and eliminating threats to its security.
In a joint message, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, extended their congratulations to the nation and paid tribute to the resilience of the Pakistani people.
The military leadership stressed that at a time when Pakistan continues to confront terrorism and extremism, the armed forces, in coordination with law enforcement agencies and supported by the nation, remain united and unwavering in their resolve.
They reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Pakistan will continue to defend the country’s sacred frontiers, protect its sovereignty, and ensure internal stability against all forms of aggression and terrorism.
The statements collectively reflect a coordinated national message of strength, unity, and determination as Pakistan navigates ongoing security challenges.
Pakistan Day, observed annually on March 23, commemorates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which laid the foundation for the creation of an independent Muslim state in South Asia.
The day symbolises the vision, unity and determination of the nation’s founding leaders and is marked with ceremonies, military parades and national events across the country, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to progress, sovereignty and resilience.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have persisted for months, driven by Islamabad’s position that militant groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan are operating from Afghan territory.
The latest escalation, which began in February, followed a series of deadly cross-border incidents and came despite earlier diplomatic efforts involving regional stakeholders, including Gulf countries and China.
Officials in Islamabad have indicated that while Pakistan remains open to stability, its security posture will continue to be guided by the imperative to eliminate terrorism and ensure that its territory is not threatened by cross-border attacks.
