Pakistan Marks 80th Independence Day With National Fervour

ISLAMABAD: (Special Reporter) – Pakistan is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on Friday with patriotic enthusiasm and traditional zeal, as the nation renews its commitment to the ideals and spirit of the Pakistan Movement.

The nationwide celebrations showcase Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage, national unity and the remarkable journey the country has undertaken since gaining independence in 1947.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters. Special prayers were also offered in mosques across the country for peace, prosperity, unity and stability.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies are being held at federal, provincial, divisional and district headquarters. Streets, buildings, markets and public spaces have been decorated with national flags, buntings and colourful lights, creating a festive atmosphere across cities and towns.

A series of seminars, exhibitions, cultural programmes and other activities have been arranged to mark Independence Day and highlight the sacrifices and contributions of the leaders and people who struggled for Pakistan.

In Karachi, a change-of-guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The ceremony was addressed by Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

President, Prime Minister Extend Independence Day Greetings

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed their Independence Day greetings to the nation and urged citizens to play their part in Pakistan’s development and prosperity.

In his message, President Zardari paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leaders of the Pakistan Movement and millions of people who sacrificed their homes, livelihoods and security for the creation of a separate homeland.

He said independence represented not only a historic achievement but also a responsibility that every generation must carry forward.

The president said recent events had demonstrated the resilience of the Pakistani nation and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace while protecting its sovereignty and national interests.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s journey towards development and prosperity was moving forward despite significant challenges.

He said the government had navigated difficult economic circumstances over the past two and a half years and made progress towards economic stability. He also highlighted the rise in remittances from overseas Pakistanis as a reflection of their continued confidence in the country.

The prime minister praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their courage and commitment to defending the country, saying their performance during Marka-e-Haq had demonstrated unity, determination and professionalism.

Shehbaz said Pakistan had emerged as a strong and dignified member of the international community and continued to advocate peace, regional stability and cooperation.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s strategic relations with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as an indication of the country’s growing regional role.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and its principled support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained that lasting peace in South Asia required a diplomatic settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Shehbaz Sharif also called on political parties and all sections of society to work together to strengthen national unity and safeguard the country’s interests.

Yadgar-e-Fatah Inaugurated In Islamabad

On Thursday night, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif jointly inaugurated Yadgar-e-Fatah in Islamabad, a monument built to honour the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs and commemorate what the government described as the victory in Marka-e-Haq.

The ceremony was attended by senior civilian and military leadership, including Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, federal ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and senior military officers.

The event also featured a spectacular fireworks display.

Armed Forces Felicitate Nation

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu extended Independence Day greetings to the nation on behalf of Pakistan’s armed forces.

In a statement issued by ISPR, the armed forces paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam, the founding fathers and all those whose sacrifices helped turn the dream of independence into a sovereign Pakistan.

The statement also acknowledged the sacrifices of martyrs, the services of veterans, law-enforcement personnel and the contributions of citizens who have served the country.

The armed forces reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholding the Constitution and fulfilling their responsibilities towards the nation.

The statement stressed that Pakistan’s strength rests on the unity and collective determination of its people and called for renewed commitment to the principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline.