ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday vowed that Pakistan would make “any sacrifice” to defend the country and its national interests, including its “inalienable right” to water resources, as the nation prepares to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on Friday (today).
In a message in connection with August 14, the prime minister also hailed the armed forces for what he called their “exemplary unity, unwavering resolve and extraordinary courage” during Marka-e-Haq, saying the episode had added “another glorious chapter” to Pakistan’s history of defence and national honour.
He paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers, the workers of the Pakistan Movement and generations of Pakistanis who had sacrificed for the creation and survival of the country.
He said the independence of Pakistan was achieved through the statesmanship and visionary leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the vision of Allama Iqbal, the resolve of Pakistan Movement’s leaders and the sacrifices of the people of the subcontinent.
He said Muslims of the subcontinent had endured immense hardships in their struggle for a separate homeland before achieving freedom on August 14, 1947.
Sharif described Pakistan as a country created so its people could live with dignity and honour and shape their lives according to their religious and cultural values.
At the same time, the prime minister stressed that the state guaranteed equal freedom to all citizens, regardless of caste, creed or colour, with fundamental rights protected by the Constitution and laws of the land.
But beyond the traditional Independence Day tribute, the prime minister used his message to paint a picture of a country seeking to turn the corner economically while facing mounting regional and security challenges.
He said his government had successfully navigated “extremely challenging circumstances” over the past two and a half years and achieved economic stability.
He claimed Pakistan was now moving steadily towards the goal of a developed economy, pointing in particular to an $11.3 billion increase in remittances from overseas Pakistanis over the past two years.
The rise, he added, reflected continued confidence among overseas Pakistanis in the government’s policies.
He said the government’s top priorities now included promoting IT, industrial and agricultural growth, expanding welfare projects, creating jobs and improving education and skills development.
He said Pakistan’s greatest strength remained its people, particularly its young population and skilled workforce.
He praised the country’s achievements across defence, industry, commerce, education, sports, science, agriculture, the judiciary and media, while highlighting the contribution of teachers, scientists, farmers, labourers, religious scholars and professionals.
He said Pakistan took “immense pride” in its military and that the country’s defence had repeatedly been tested in moments of adversity.
Referring to Marka-e-Haq, he said the armed forces, under Field Marshal Syed AsimMunir, had demonstrated unity and courage and had written a new chapter in the country’s defence history.
He said Pakistan remained determined to defend its territory and national interests and would not hesitate to make sacrifices where necessary.
The prime minister also presented Pakistan as a country with growing strategic importance, saying it had established itself as a “strong, resolute and dignified country” and a powerful advocate of peace.
He cited the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye as evidence of Islamabad’s “effective role” in the region and its emerging strategic strength.
On Palestine and Kashmir, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the oppressed Palestinian people and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said there could be no lasting peace in South Asia without a diplomatic settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He also called on political parties and all sections of society to bury differences and join hands for the country.
The prime minister ended his message with a prayer for Pakistan to rise as a nation of “honour and dignity” and to enjoy continued success and progress.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026