Independence Day celebrations: Pakistan’s message to the world — we are one

Only living nations celebrate their freedom with pride and remain connected to their traditions. Nations that continue to remember their martyrs and heroes are the ones that remain alive in history. Every year on August 14, the Pakistani nation celebrates Independence Day with immense enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. However, this year’s Independence Day was particularly significant and distinctive for the people of Pakistan.

First, in May 2025, Pakistan inflicted a historic and humiliating defeat on India in Marka-e-Haq. Then, during the Iran-US conflict, Pakistan played the role of a mediator. Most importantly, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye entered into a joint defence agreement. These three developments have become symbols of pride for the Pakistani nation.

Pakistan, which was repeatedly portrayed at the international level as a dangerous country, is today playing a central role in major global decisions. Pakistan’s name is being heard at every major international forum. The same Western media that once associated Pakistan with terrorism is today referring to Pakistan as a peacemaker. This is the outcome of Pakistan’s successful diplomacy.

The credit for this certainly goes to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who, through their continuous hard work, commitment and dedication, have played a central role in strengthening Pakistan’s image and presenting a more positive face of the country at the global level.

Those who repeatedly attempted to weaken, destabilise and break Pakistan and burden it with multiple crises have failed. Today, the same Pakistan is shining on the global horizon like the crescent moon of the fourteenth night. The way the Pakistani nation celebrated Independence Day this year with unprecedented enthusiasm and patriotic spirit had few parallels in the past.

There was an atmosphere of joy on people’s faces, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz played the most important role in bringing this happiness back to the people. Lahore is the heart of Pakistan, and every major event held here carries a message that reaches the world.

On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab Information and Culture Department formally launched Independence Day celebrations. Under the leadership of Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bukhari, an Independence Day music concert was organised at Alhamra Cultural Complex. Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani also attended the event.

Renowned Pakistani singers Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Fakhir Mehmood and Bilal Saeed performed at the Independence Day music concert, which was attended by a large number of citizens. People enthusiastically sang along to national songs, raised slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Pak Army Zindabad,” and paid tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis of Marka-e-Haq.

Addressing the gathering, Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bukhari said that freedom is a great blessing and must be valued. She said that the country was not achieved without sacrifice; rather, our forefathers made tremendous sacrifices for Pakistan. The journey Pakistan has undertaken from 1947 to the present is highly commendable.

She said that Pakistan is being accorded respect at every forum today. Whether the issue is mediation, stopping wars or making major international decisions, Pakistan’s name is being mentioned everywhere. Pakistan now stands among the world’s powerful nations.

She said that on Independence Day, the nation must renew its resolve to work collectively for Pakistan’s progress. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan is moving forward. At the same time, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has earned nationwide recognition because of her performance. This is why people in other provinces are also openly expressing the wish that they, too, had Maryam Nawaz as their chief minister.

Today, the entire country acknowledges Maryam Nawaz’s performance, she said, expressing the hope that all other provinces would also progress and move forward like Punjab.

The entire nation also paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country and saluted the mothers who gave their sons in the service of the motherland.

At Liberty Chowk and Minar-e-Pakistan, spectacular fireworks displays were held on the night of August 13 and August 14. Thousands of people witnessed these memorable moments and celebrated to the tunes of national songs. At Liberty Chowk, renowned singers Arif Lohar, Bilal Saeed and Natasha Baig captivated the audience with their performances, further strengthening the spirit of Independence Day among the citizens.

The Independence Day events held in Lahore also received prominent coverage from the international media. The lighting show at Minar-e-Pakistan and the fireworks at Liberty Chowk will be remembered and cited as examples of the celebrations. Such entertainment and moments of collective happiness were much needed by the nation.

These celebrations reflected Maryam Nawaz’s love for and commitment to Pakistan. When love for one’s homeland resides in the heart, it naturally finds expression in such moments of celebration and national pride.

Meanwhile, in the federal capital, Islamabad, the Victory Monument was inaugurated by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and newly appointed Commander National Strategic Command Syed Amer Raza were also present, while Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz attended the ceremony as a special guest.

Maryam Nawaz wore an outfit featuring the colours of the national flag and appeared particularly distinctive and prominent at the ceremony.

The Victory Monument has been constructed in Islamabad to commemorate Pakistan’s historic victory in Marka-e-Haq. The site is also expected to contribute to the promotion of tourism in the federal capital. A towering national flag has also been installed there.

If the Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad and the decoration of the federal capital are discussed, much of the credit certainly goes to Chief Municipal Officer Islamabad Syeda Anam Fatima, who played an important role in organising Independence Day celebrations and decorating the city.

This is the same Anam Fatima who was recently subjected to criticism and propaganda on social media merely because she was conferred a Presidential Award. She is an extremely hardworking young officer who is fully committed to her responsibilities. Whatever task she is assigned, she fulfils it with a strong sense of responsibility and dedication.

The manner in which Islamabad was decorated and the arrangements made for the parade are a reflection of her performance. The celebrations demonstrated how effectively the federal capital was prepared for Independence Day.
It was Anam Fatima who brought together people from different cultures in Islamabad to convey the message of national unity. The colors of Punjabi culture, Balochi, Sindhi, Makrani and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa culture were also visible in the parade. It was not just a parade, but a celebration of the unity of Pakistan. People from the Sikh community also participated in this parade in their traditional style.

By celebrating Independence Day with unprecedented enthusiasm and patriotic spirit, the Pakistani nation has sent a clear message to the world: Pakistanis are a living nation. They deeply cherish their freedom, their country and their national identity.

The list of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s achievements is growing longer. First, he steered the country through extremely difficult circumstances. He then helped save the country from default and ensured that the burden on the people was reduced during a period of crisis, with the government itself bearing a greater share of the burden.

Pakistan subsequently achieved a historic victory against India in Marka-e-Haq. It then played the role of mediator between the United States and Iran, followed by the conclusion of a joint defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. All these developments have been made possible through the tireless efforts and exemplary leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are equally commendable. At every step, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has had the support of the Field Marshal. The successful partnership between the two will continue to achieve successes and strengthen Pakistan’s standing and image at the international level.

Pakistanis will never compromise on the honour and dignity of their country. Every Pakistani child stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in defending the motherland. The practical demonstration of this national resolve was witnessed by the entire world on Independence Day.

The Pakistan Army is the pride of Pakistan. Because of the sacrifices of its personnel, Pakistan has succeeded in securing a prominent position in the world. The achievements of the Pakistan Air Force’s Shaheens will remain part of history for generations to come.

Pakistan’s traditional rival, India, is still reeling from its humiliating defeat in Marka-e-Haq. Therefore, India will never again have the courage to engage Pakistan directly in war. Pakistan’s defence is becoming stronger with every passing day, and the elements conspiring against Pakistan will never succeed.

Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and Punjab are one and will remain one. Those seeking to sow hatred and seeds of division among the people of Pakistan will never succeed.

The Pakistani nation delivered this message loud and clear to such elements through Marka-e-Haq: Pakistan must move forward and achieve new milestones of progress and development.