President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s sovereignty as the nation celebrated Pakistan’s 78th Independence Anniversary.

 

In messages of renewed unity and resilience, the leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices of the nation’s founders and martyrs, emphasising that in May this year, confrontation with India had reinforced the sanctity of Pakistan’s freedom and the resolve to safeguard it.

 

President Zardari said that the nation had recently 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. Faced with unjustified Indian aggression, Pakistan responded with clarity, courage and restraint. The world witnessed a nation that is peace-loving, but fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said in a statement.

 

“This victory has given our people a sense of renewed confidence. It has lifted the morale of the people, restored faith in our institutions and enhanced Pakistan’s stature on the global stage. Today, the world sees Pakistan as a country that seeks peace but does not bow to coercion.”

 

The president said that the moment was about more than just military success as it was also a reminder of what the nation could achieve when “united, focused and committed to a common goal”.

 

“Let us now channel this spirit into our economic revival, educational reform, technological advancement, institutional development and environmental resilience. The same discipline, courage and clarity that led to our recent success against India can lead us toward victory in eradicating poverty, creating opportunities for our people, and building a just and inclusive society,” he said.

 

Expressing solidarity with the people of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he stated that their courage and struggle for justice and their right to self-determination remained close to the nation’s hearts. “Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering diplomatic, moral and political support until their right to self-determination is realised.”

 

“Let this Independence Day be a turning point in our history. Let us rise beyond our divisions and stand together for a Pakistan that is built on justice, equality, faith, and service to all. May Allah be our guide and supporter. Ameen!” he concluded.

 

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz called upon all political forces and citizens to unite in the spirit of 1947 and together build a strong and prosperous Pakistan for generations to come.

 

“I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the nation on completion of 78 years of independence of Pakistan. I pay tribute to Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the Thinker of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who along with other resolute leaders and workers of the Independence Movement united the nation under one vision, one mission and one goal [sic],” the premier said in a post on X.

 

“The past 78 years tell a tale of resilience, strong faith and a hope of a bright future when as a nation, we braved several difficult challenges,” he added, linking the country’s endurance to its military success earlier this year. 

 

“Pakistan’s historic victory in Marka-e-Haq during the four-day war imposed by India has not only reinforced the sanctity of our freedom, but has also instilled a renewed sense of ambition and national spirit in the hearts of our people, magnifying the pride and fervour of this Independence Day.”

 

Praising the armed forces for reviving their past glory, he said that the forces “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”.

 

Calling it “not merely a military conquest, but also the victory of the validation of the Two-Nation Theory”, PM Shehbaz vowed to “stand vigilant to defend and safeguard our national interests including water resources”.