Pakistan celebrates 78th Independence Day

Pakistan marked its 78th Independence Day on Wednesday with military parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies and calls for unity.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in the capital, Islamabad, and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals.

Special prayers were offered in mosques for peace, solidarity and prosperity. Streets and buildings were draped with national flags and bunting, while fireworks lit up the night sky.

The main ceremony took place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unfurled the national flag. In Karachi, senior military officials paid tribute the nation's founding leader Mohammad Ali Jinnah at his mausoleum, Mazar-e-Quaid.

Addressing a ceremony on Independence Day eve, Sharif renewed calls for political reconciliation, inviting all parties to join a “Charter for Stability of Pakistan” aimed at ensuring long-term progress.

Sharif linked this year’s celebrations to what he called the country’s recent victory in the “Marka-e-Haq” — a military campaign launched in May in response to what Pakistan described as “unprovoked aggression” by India.

"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. Despite this, Pakistan achieved a series of milestones of success and achievements in every field," he said in his message to the nation.

Praise for armed forces

The prime minister thanked allies including China, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Saudi Arabia for supporting Pakistan diplomatically during the standoff.

He also expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for helping broker a cease-fire, voicing hope for his support in resolving the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir under U.N. resolutions.

Sharif paid tribute to army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for working with the civilian government on security.

He also praised the role of overseas Pakistanis, noting record remittances of $38 billion in the past year.

On the economy, Sharif said inflation had eased, the stock market was performing strongly, and investor confidence was improving. He called the country’s youth “the vanguards of the nation” and urged them to draw on Pakistan’s history to build a stronger future.

The ceremony included a parade featuring the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force, along with troops from friendly nations such as Azerbaijan and Turkiye. The Pakistan Air Force staged a flypast, while military bands performed national songs.

Documentaries screened at the event highlighted Pakistan’s journey since independence in 1947 and recounted the events of the May confrontation with India.

Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of Gaza and Indian-administered Kashmir, saying the country would “always stand with the oppressed.”

President Zardari reaffirms strength

President Asif Ali Zardari said in his message that the nation had “reaffirmed its strength, resolve, and unity in the face of external aggression.”

“Our success in Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos is a landmark moment in our history,” he said, referring to the military confrontation with India. “It was a demonstration of unshakable national will, professional excellence, and united purpose.”