Pakistan's President and PM vow to defeat terrorism during national day addresses

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to combating terrorism, as the nation celebrated the 85th anniversary of the 1940 resolution that paved the way for the country's independence.

"We have strongly countered both external and internal terrorism," Zardari declared in his Pakistan Day address at the presidential palace in Islamabad. "Al-Khawarij and other terrorist organizations are striving to achieve their unholy objectives."

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a televised video message, similarly "saluted the courage of Pakistan's armed forces, police, Rangers, and law enforcement agencies for their continuous fight against terrorism."

The leaders' comments come amid rising security concerns following several deadly attacks across the country in recent months, particularly in the western regions bordering Afghanistan.

Historical significance

Pakistan Day commemorates March 23, 1940, when the Muslim League adopted the Lahore Resolution demanding separate Muslim-majority states in British India, eventually leading to Pakistan's creation in 1947. The day also marks the adoption of Pakistan's first constitution on March 23, 1956.

Zardari emphasized that Pakistan faces a new challenge in hybrid warfare, which combines conventional military tactics with disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. He called for countering "attempts to spread hatred and despair among the younger generation."

Tensions with neighbors

The president directed sharp criticism at neighboring India, stating that it "has always viewed Pakistan with malice" and that India had "tried to cast an evil eye on Pakistan."

"The Kashmiri people have long been victims of Indian state terrorism," he said, pledging that Pakistan would continue to advocate for Kashmiris' right to self-determination at international forums.

In a show of solidarity with Palestinians, Zardari urged the international community to "take immediate decisive steps to stop the genocide of Palestinian people" and affirmed Pakistan's support for Palestinian sovereignty.

Military display

The president expressed confidence in the nation's resilience during his speech, which followed a military parade showcasing Pakistan's defense capabilities. The ceremony included aerial displays by the Pakistan Air Force, featuring the Karakoram-8 (K-8) aircraft team performing aerobatic maneuvers.

"We are a courageous nation," Zardari said. "The real strength of Pakistan is its people."

President Asif Ali Zardari speaks at the Pakistan Day military parade, Islamabad, March 23, 2025.GoP

The ceremony was attended by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, military chiefs, federal ministers, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps.

Zardari, who took office last year after serving as president once before from 2008 to 2013, called for national unity to overcome economic challenges facing the country.

"I appeal to everyone to dedicate all energies for the development of the country," he said. "Work for a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan beyond differences."

Prime Minister's message

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the countrymen to make dedicated efforts in line with Quaid-e-Azam's principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline to achieve the dream of making Pakistan a prosperous and a welfare state.

The prime minister thanked Allah Almighty and expressed his gratitude to the forefathers including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal and others, whose foresightedness and wise leadership led to the creation of Pakistan as a separate homeland.

"The Pakistan Resolution, which was passed on March 23, 1940 stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the forefathers to the cause of independence," he said.

The prime minister said that Pakistan's flag symbolized the steadfast resolve and struggle of our forefathers during the Pakistan Movement.

"Today, Pakistan stands as a free and sovereign nation, for which we are thankful to Allah Almighty," he added.

Making their mark

He appreciated the contributions of Pakistan's armed forces, industries, education sector, and sportsmen making their mark on the global stage and bringing fame to the country with the parliament, judiciary, and executive also fulfilling their constitutional duties.

He said that consequent to the untiring efforts, the government had achieved economic stability and the process of institutional reforms and structural changes was in progress.

"Let us pledge to follow the principles of Unity, Faith, and Discipline, as laid out by the Quaid-e-Azam, and work together to build a great, developed, and welfare-oriented Pakistan," he remarked.