Pakistan marked its 78th Independence Day on Wednesday with grand celebrations nationwide, amplified by the recent military victory in Marka-e-Haq under Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. The highlight of the day was Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for all political forces to unite under the Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan (Charter for Stability of Pakistan) to promote national cohesion.
PM’s Unity Call at Jinnah Sports Stadium
At a special ceremony in Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Stadium attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, and senior civil-military leadership, PM Shehbaz urged political parties, civil society, and stakeholders to move beyond personal interests and political divisions.
“This is not a revival of the Charter of Economy, but a commitment in the greater national interest,” he said, adding that differences can exist, but unity must prevail for Pakistan’s progress.
Tribute to Founders, Armed Forces, and Allies
The prime minister paid homage to Pakistan’s founders and the armed forces for their role in recent hostilities with India, describing the outcome as a “historic lesson” for the adversary. He thanked international allies, particularly the United States, for their role in brokering a ceasefire and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute under UN resolutions.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for oppressed peoples in Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling their struggles a “test of humanity.”
Monument Unveiling and Military Displays
PM Shehbaz unveiled a digital model of the Marka-i-Haq Monument. The event featured a military parade with participation from the Pakistan Army, Navy, Air Force, and contingents from Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Fighter jets performed fly-bys with flare displays, while formations in the parade spelt out “Freedom” and “Marka-i-Haq.”
National Celebrations Across Pakistan
The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal. Streets, markets, and public buildings were adorned with flags, buntings, and lights, while vendors sold Independence Day merchandise.
In Islamabad, the Pakistan Monument hosted the main flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by a defence exhibition at Shakarparian Parade Ground showcasing tanks, artillery, rocket launchers, radars, and aircraft used in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. The display included a PAF flypast, para-jumping demonstrations, and military band performances.
Cultural Festivities and Public Engagement
Cultural programmes organised by the Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad and Lok Virsa featured traditional dances from all provinces, art exhibitions, folk theatre, artisan workshops, ethnic food stalls, and musical performances. The Marka-i-Haq tribute exhibition displayed photographs and paintings highlighting the recent military victory.
Kashmir Solidarity
Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control marked Independence Day and the Marka-i-Haq victory with renewed pledges to continue their struggle for self-determination, describing Pakistan as their “ultimate destination.”
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