Zardari, Shehbaz Urge Unity as Pakistan Celebrates 79th Independence Day
ISLAMABAD — President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used their Independence Day messages on Wednesday to call for unity, justice, and equality, urging Pakistanis at home and abroad to rise above divisions and work together for a stronger nation.
Both leaders extended congratulations to the people on the 79th anniversary of independence, paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the workers of the Pakistan Movement for their courage and sacrifice.
President Zardari said this year’s celebrations come with “renewed pride and hope” after the country’s response to what he described as external aggression in May. Referring to “Marka-e-Haq” and “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” he called the outcome a testament to national unity, one that restored public confidence in state institutions and elevated Pakistan’s international standing.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic, moral, and political support for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir until they achieve the right to self-determination.
Prime Minister Sharif, in his address, paid homage to those who gave their lives for the country’s freedom. He described Marka-e-Haq as more than a military success, portraying it as a reaffirmation of the Two-Nation Theory — the ideological foundation of Pakistan. He stressed vigilance in defending national interests, including the country’s water resources, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and resolving disputes through dialogue.
On Kashmir, the prime minister said India must show the same political will if lasting peace is to be achieved. He also pointed to government measures aimed at easing the public’s burden, such as cuts in electricity tariffs, and outlined plans to strengthen the economy, industry, and technology sectors. Sharif invited all political parties and social groups to “join hands with the government in safeguarding national interests.”
Messages of solidarity also came from the military leadership. Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu congratulated the nation, honouring the “indomitable spirit” of Pakistan’s founders and pledging to protect the country’s sovereignty, constitution, and values.
Published in Daily Pak, August 14th, 2025
