National Leaders Emphasize Unity and Resilience on Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan commemorated its 78th Independence Day, the country’s civilian and military hierarchies conveyed messages highlighting national cohesion, fortitude, and a dedication to protecting the nation’s sovereignty. This year’s observances drew connections to the military’s achievement in what was termed ‘Marka-e-Haq’—referring to the period of confrontation with India from the April 22 Pahalgam incident to the culmination of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos on May 10.

The leadership acknowledged the sacrifices made by the country’s founders and fallen heroes, asserting that the April-May conflict with India has reinforced the value of Pakistan’s freedom and the determination to preserve it.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called upon all political entities and societal groups to collaborate in fortifying their commitment to protecting the nation’s interests.

“On this significant day, I urge all political powers and citizens to unite with the spirit of 1947 to construct a strong and prosperous Pakistan for the future generations,” stated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“I extend my congratulations to the nation on the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence. I salute the Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the Thinker of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who along with other determined leaders and workers of the Independence Movement united the nation under one vision, one mission and one goal,” the premier stated.

“The last 78 years represent a chronicle of resilience, unwavering faith, and optimism for a bright future, during which our nation faced numerous formidable challenges,” he said, connecting the nation’s endurance with its military accomplishments earlier in the year.

“Pakistan’s significant triumph in Marka-e-Haq during the four-day conflict imposed by India has fortified the sanctity of our freedom and instilled a renewed sense of ambition and national spirit, amplifying the pride and enthusiasm of this Independence Day.”

He lauded the armed forces for reviving “their past glory and shattered the false pride of enemy by acting as a Bunyan-um-Marsoos – a solid fortified wall” and paid tribute to martyrs “who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom”.

Describing it as “not merely a military victory, but also the validation of a Two-Nation Theory,” the PM pledged to remain “vigilant in defending our national interests, including water resources.”

While emphasizing Pakistan’s belief in “peaceful coexistence and resolving regional and global issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” he entreated India to “demonstrate the same will for the resolution of all disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.”

The Prime Minister also underscored the significance of economic stability for national defense, noting “the substantial reduction in electricity tariffs” and promising to “mobilise all available resources” to address economic, industrial, and technological challenges. “We all need to demonstrate the spirit of Marka-e-Haq and the Pakistan Movement,” he asserted.

President Asif Ali Zardari remarked: “Let us rise above our differences and unite for a Pakistan founded on justice, equality, faith, and service to all.”

The President linked the celebrations to the recent conflict, mentioning that the nation commemorated the day “with a sense of renewed pride and hope as recently the nation had reaffirmed its strength, resolve, and unity in the face of external aggression.”

“Our success in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos is a landmark moment in our history. It was a demonstration of unshakable national will, professional excellence, and united purpose,” he stated.

“Faced with unjustified aggression, Pakistan responded with clarity, courage and restraint. The world witnessed a nation that was peace-loving, but fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the President added.

Terming it “more than military success,” Zardari stated it was “a reminder of what we can achieve when we are united, focused, and committed to a common goal” and urged the nation to “channel this spirit into our economic revival, educational reform, technological advancement, institutional development, and environmental resilience.”

He also voiced solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), adding that their courage and struggle for justice and their right to self-determination remained close to their hearts.

He further affirmed that Pakistan would continue to provide unwavering diplomatic, moral, and political support until their right to self-determination is achieved.

“On our 79th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the nation. I pay tribute to the immortal sacrifices made by our forebears, affirming that Pakistan was born out of their indomitable spirit and devotion to truth. I reaffirm that our nation cannot be defeated as long as we stand united,” Dar stated.

“I call on every fellow citizen to remain united, protect democratic values, and collectively contribute to building a strong, dignified, and prosperous Pakistan — for today and times to come,” he added.

He lauded the “resolve of our Armed Forces and our people who stood together to safeguard our sovereignty,” saying it reflected “formidable military readiness” and “a principled foreign policy that has earned widespread international support.”

“As we celebrate our independence day and Marka-e-Haq, we are reminded that freedom is preserved not only by defending our borders but also by upholding the principles of truth, justice, and dignity in our international engagements,” he added.

In a joint message, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu extended “heartfelt felicitations… on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day—marking the triumph of unity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to a shared vision for a brighter future.”

They reaffirmed their “unwavering resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold the Constitution, and protect the values that define our national identity,” paying “solemn tribute to the visionaries, statesmen, and soldiers who laid our nation’s foundations.”

“The unbreakable bond between the Armed Forces and the people is the cornerstone of our collective strength,” the message said, urging all to “renew our resolve to strive for peace, progress, and unity, upholding the ideals of Faith, Unity, and Discipline.”