Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the main ceremony marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day and victory in Marka-e-Haq, unveiled the creation of the Army Rocket Force Command to further enhance the country’s defence capabilities.
Speaking at Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Stadium in the presence of President Asif Ali Zardari, Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir, top military leadership, foreign dignitaries, and thousands of citizens, the premier said the new command would be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, strengthening Pakistan’s conventional warfare capacity.
Decisive Victory in ‘Marka-e-Haq’
The PM linked the day’s celebrations to the recent military triumph against India, describing it as a decisive victory achieved within four days under unified military leadership. He praised Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs Gen Sahir Shamshad, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu for their swift and coordinated response to Indian aggression.
“India forgot that wars are not won by weapons alone, but with the spirit of the nation,” he remarked, adding that the defeat had delivered a lesson New Delhi would never forget.
Unity Call Through Misaq-i-Istehkam-e-Pakistan
Reiterating his invitation to all political parties, stakeholders, and civil society, Shehbaz urged participation in the Misaq-i-Istehkam-e-Pakistan (Charter for Pakistan’s Stability) as a framework for collective progress beyond political divisions. He stressed that the charter was not merely an economic plan, but a national interest agenda to present a united front to the world.
Tributes to Nuclear Pioneers and Allies
The prime minister paid tribute to the architects of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, including Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, and the armed forces, while crediting Nawaz Sharif’s historic decision on May 28, 1998, to proceed with nuclear tests despite international pressure and a $5 billion offer. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s nuclear capability is purely defensive in response to India’s programme.
He extended gratitude to China, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Azerbaijan, UAE, and Qatar for their moral support during Marka-e-Haq, and acknowledged former US President Donald Trump’s role in securing a ceasefire while urging his help in resolving the Kashmir dispute under UN resolutions.
Celebration Highlights and Public Spirit
The ceremony featured a grand military parade, Special Services Group demonstrations, and contingents from Turkiye and Azerbaijan. A fireworks display lit up the night sky, accompanied by national songs and flag formations spelling “Freedom” and “Marka-e-Haq.”
Shehbaz praised the armed forces for fostering national harmony through initiatives such as the National Action Plan and National Economic Plan. He also pointed to economic improvements under his government, citing reduced interest rates, lower inflation, and a surging stock market recognised by global institutions.
Stand Against Violence
The PM reaffirmed that while the right to protest and political engagement is respected, Pakistan would not allow violence, vandalism, defamation, or rebellion against the state, especially after immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
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