World Leaders Congratulate Pakistan on Independence Day, Praise Bilateral Ties

Felicitations poured in from around the world on Friday as Pakistan celebrated 79 years of independence. Leaders and senior officials from several countries congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the people of Pakistan. Many also highlighted their countries’ close relations and growing cooperation with Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated President Zardari and wished Pakistan continued progress and prosperity. They also praised the “strong relations” between the two countries and their shared commitment to expanding cooperation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and described Pakistan’s Independence Day as an important occasion to recognise the country’s achievements.

Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan and expressed “readiness to take more effective steps to advance bilateral ties” and protect the “common interests of both sides”.

He also said the “shared interests of the Iranian and Pakistani nations have become inextricably interwoven” and called for greater cooperation between the two countries.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also congratulated Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He said continued political consultations and stronger economic, trade, border, security and cultural cooperation could help both countries make better use of their existing opportunities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also extended Independence Day greetings to Pakistan. He appreciated “the partnership between our nations and the bonds of friendship between our peoples”.

Rubio said cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in regional mediation, critical minerals, energy, counterterrorism, cultural heritage, trade and investment was helping create progress for both countries.

US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker also met Ishaq Dar in Islamabad and conveyed her congratulations.

Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry extended greetings to “friendly and brotherly Pakistan”. Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz also congratulated Pakistan and described relations between the two countries as based on “exceptional brotherhood”.

Yılmaz said the recent defence agreement between Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had “added a new dimension” to relations with Islamabad.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also spoke with Ishaq Dar by phone and conveyed warm wishes to Pakistan’s leadership, government and people, along with prayers for peace, progress and prosperity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz. He said he was confident that Russia and Pakistan would continue working together to strengthen their partnership and promote international security and stability.

UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott also met Ishaq Dar and “conveyed warm wishes” on Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong met Dar, congratulated him and reaffirmed the “close and time-tested ties between” Pakistan and China.

Romania also congratulated the Pakistani government and people and said it remained committed to strengthening bilateral relations, including under the EU-Pakistan framework.

Georgia expressed its “cordial wishes for peace and prosperity of Pakistani people” and said it looked forward to further developing friendly relations with Pakistan.

Azerbaijan also extended “heartfelt congratulations to the brotherly people and the government of Pakistan”.

The messages reflected widespread international recognition of Pakistan’s Independence Day, while several countries used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to stronger diplomatic, economic, security and strategic ties with Islamabad.