Civil and Military Leaders Unite in Calls for National Solidarity on Independence Day

August 14, 2025 – Islamabad: Pakistan’s civil and military leaders celebrated the nation’s 78th Independence Day with renewed calls for unity, strength, and commitment to protecting sovereignty. This year’s celebrations were closely linked to the military success in Marka-e-Haq — the April–May conflict with India that ended with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.

The leadership paid homage to the sacrifices of the nation’s founders, martyrs, and heroes, noting that the recent victory had strengthened Pakistan’s pride and national spirit.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Message

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all political parties and citizens to unite “in the spirit of 1947” to build a strong and prosperous Pakistan. He praised Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, and the leaders of the Independence Movement for guiding the nation with one mission and vision.

The PM said the April–May confrontation proved Pakistan’s resilience. He hailed the armed forces for breaking “the false pride of the enemy” and acting as a “solid fortified wall.” Calling it “a victory of the Two-Nation Theory,” he pledged to protect national interests, including water resources.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s belief in peaceful coexistence and urged India to resolve disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir, through dialogue. He also highlighted the link between economic stability and national defence, citing recent tariff reductions and pledging resource mobilisation for industrial and technological growth.

President Asif Ali Zardari’s Message

President Asif Ali Zardari called on Pakistanis to rise above divisions and stand for justice, equality, and faith. He said the success in Marka-e-Haq was a historic moment showing the country’s unity and strength against external aggression.

He emphasised that the victory was more than a military achievement — it was proof of what Pakistan could accomplish when united. Zardari urged channeling this spirit into economic revival, education, technology, and environmental resilience.

The president expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), promising continued diplomatic, moral, and political support for their right to self-determination.

Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s Statement

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar congratulated the nation and honoured the sacrifices of Pakistan’s forefathers. He praised the unity between the armed forces and the people, saying it reflected military readiness and a principled foreign policy that earned global support.

Dar stressed that true freedom comes from both defending borders and upholding truth, justice, and dignity in international relations.

Military Leadership’s Message

In a joint statement, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu congratulated the nation and reaffirmed their commitment to defending sovereignty, the Constitution, and national values.

They paid tribute to the visionaries and soldiers who built Pakistan and highlighted the unbreakable bond between the armed forces and the people as the source of national strength.