President, PM urge unity, justice
From President Asif Ali Zardari's call to safeguard freedom and strengthen institutions, to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's emphasis on economic revival and social harmony, the day was punctuated by pledges to honour the sacrifices of the founders and work collectively for a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan
The president conveyed his felicitations to the people, highlighting the importance of national cohesion and the need for sustained efforts toward the country's welfare.
He noted that the success in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos reflected the country's unshakable national will and unity of purpose. This victory, he added, has boosted public confidence, restored faith in national institutions, and elevated Pakistan's standing on the global stage.
Zardari also voiced solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating Pakistan's steadfast diplomatic, moral, and political support until their right to self-determination is achieved.
His message was carried widely by state media and reposted by Pakistani diplomatic missions abroad, underlining the day's significance for the diaspora.Cultural tourism packages
Similarly, PM Shehbaz extended "heartfelt felicitations" to the nation and led the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. In his official Independence Day message, he underscored unity and collective dedication to Pakistan's development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, at a grand Independence Day ceremony held at Islamabad's Jinnah Stadium, extended a heartfelt olive branch by launching the Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan, the Charter for Stability.Cultural tourism packages
The prime minister addressed Pakistan's political and civil society stakeholders, urging them to set aside partisan differences and rally behind a common national agenda.
Highlighting that the charter is more than an economic proposal, he emphasized its role in fostering collective purpose, while reaffirming that peaceful dissent is welcome, but lawlessness will not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, world capitals sent congratulatory messages.
The Russian Embassy in Islamabad also congratulated Pakistan on its 78th Independence Day, praising the country's progress since its creation in 1947.
In a post on X, the embassy said people of Pakistan "can rightly be proud of their country" and extended wishes for "success, prosperity and well-being" to its citizens, ending with the greeting, "Youm-e-Azadi Mubarak".
The Pakistan Embassy in Beijing organized a dignified flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate Independence Day.
The event also celebrated the historic victory in Marka-e-Haq during Operation Bunyanum-Marsoos.
Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a post on X, also congratulated "friendly and brotherly Pakistan" on its Independence Day, adding the slogan "Pakistan Zindabad!".
Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan said EU Ambassador Riina Kionka extended heartfelt wishes to the country on its 78th Independence Day, adding, "Together, we celebrate friendship and unity, because we are stronger together."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
9 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan and India: Restoring diplomatic ties emphasised
LAHORE: The South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) organized a seminar titled " Make Peace: New Normal " on Thursday to commemorate Independence Day at the SAFMA Auditorium. Noted journalist and human rights activist Hussain Naqi, President of the Haqooq Khalq Party and general secretary of the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee Farooq Tariq, Executive Director South Asia Partnership Muhammad Tehseen expressed their views on this occasion. SAFMA Secretary General Imtiaz Alam stressed the importance of restoring diplomatic relations between Pakistan and India, highlighting that peace between the two nations will bring prosperity to the region. Marking Pakistan's Independence Day, South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) Secretary General Imtiaz Alam issued a stark warning and a passionate plea for peace to the leadership of Pakistan and India, emphasizing the critical need to move beyond recent hostilities. Alam stated that Pakistan and India must immediately cease all hostile rhetoric and provocative actions, replacing threats with tangible gestures of de-escalation. He stressed that the leaders of both nuclear-armed nations have an urgent responsibility to resume comprehensive, uninterrupted, and unconditional dialogue addressing all disputes between them solely through peaceful diplomatic means. Highlighting the extreme danger posed by the absence of robust safeguards, Alam declared that without delay, both countries should negotiate and implement verifiable nuclear and missile risk reduction measures. He specified that these essential steps should include reliable hotlines, advance notification protocols for missile tests, and sustained confidence-building dialogues specifically designed to prevent accidental or unauthorized escalation. Furthermore, Alam emphasized that both nations must fundamentally understand that true strength lies in development, not destruction. He called for lifting barriers to trade, actively facilitating people-to-people contact, and fostering collaboration on shared existential challenges like climate change, water security, and poverty alleviation. Alam concluded this point by asserting that unleashing the combined economic potential of South Asia is the only viable path to lifting millions out of deprivation. "The colossal resources consumed by perpetual military readiness represent a theft from our people," Alam stated, underscoring the immense opportunity cost of the enduring conflict. "Choosing peace is not weakness; it is the only strategy that offers prosperity and security for the hundreds of millions suffering from poverty in both nations." Renowned academician Dr. Waseem emphasized the need to reduce tension between Pakistan and India, advocating for increased people-to-people contact to foster peace and prosperity in the subcontinent. He noted that Indian policies have historically been driven by religion and anti-Pakistan sentiments, while Pakistani policies have been anti-India. In a symbolic gesture, SAFMA organized a candle vigil at the Wagah border crossing on Thursday night, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives fighting for independence from British rule and promoting regional peace. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
9 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Punjab Governor felicitates Bilawal
LAHORE: Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has congratulated Bilawal Bhutto on receiving the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. In a statement, Sardar Saleem said that Bilawal Bhutto is the first and only young leader who successfully led a diplomatic delegation at the international level. He said that Bilawal Bhutto deserved the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. He congratulated the entire nation on August 14 and Bilawal Bhutto on receiving the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. He said that Bilawal Bhutto exposed the disgusting face of India in the media all over the world. He further said that the time is not far when Bilawal Bhutto will become the Prime Minister of the country with people's mandate. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
10 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Sindh marks I-Day with discernible fervor
With Independence Day just around the corner, the Paper Market bursts with energy and colours. Stalls overflow with green-and-white decorations — flags, buntings, badges, and shimmering garlands — as eager shoppers rush in to prepare for the big day. Every corner echoes with patriotic spirit, turning simple paper into symbols of pride. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS Buoyed by the combat victory against pugnacious India during the five-day war in May this year, the people of Sindh celebrated in an upbeat manner on Thursday. The people organised rallies, attended musical events, participated in an array of activities taking place in the educational institutions and organised cake cutting events. The people also pitched up tents on important roads and intersections in cities and towns and played national songs with the rapturous participants waving the country's flags and shouting patriotic slogans. Unfortunately, during the unbridled aerial firing, which started at the eve of the Independence Day past Wednesday midnight, at least 16 children, women and men were injured in Hyderabad district alone. The police appeared completely indifferent to the menace of firing volleys of gunshots in the air. Meanwhile, the central flag hoisting ceremony in Hyderabad was organized on Thursday morning at the Circuit House. The Divisional Commissioner Fayaz Hussain Abbassi, DIG Tariq Razzak Dharejo, Mayor Kashif Ali Shoro, Deputy Commissioner Zainul Abedin Memon and SSP Adeel Hussain Chandio hoisted the national flag while a number of notable citizens, teachers and students attended. The students made speeches with special reference to Marka-e-Haq, presented tableaux and sang national anthems. "The recent victory over India has instilled a new spirit in the independence day celebrations," the DIG said. He noted that an unseen enthusiasm among the people was conspicuous this year. The mayor paid tribute to the armed force for their valiant defence of the country. The commissioner said the people are demonstrating their patriotism by boisterously celebrating the day. Separately, the city's roads and intersections brimmed with rallies throughout the day. A national flag of 300 feet by 84 feet dimensions was hoisted on an 84 feet tall pole at a ceremony in Sukkur district. Divisional Commissioner of Sukkur Abid Ali Qureshi, DIG Faisal Abdullah Chachar, Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh and DC Nadir Shahzad Khan performed the hoisting. "The nation is celebrating two important days," Qureshi observed. "One pertains to the independence and the other to the triumph over India." He believed that Pakistan can become a developed country if the rule of law is established and the educational and economic systems are improved in addition to engendering the national unity. The DIG Sukkur said the national unity and a sense of responsibility among the citizens can help bring peace, stability and prosperity. MPA Suhail Anwar Siyal, Mayor Anwar Ali Lahar, Commissioner Tahir Hussain Sangi, DC Wajahat Ghafoor Mirani and SSP Ahmed Faisal Chaudhry raised the national flag at Municipal Stadium Larkana. An identical central event was held at the courtyard of DC office in Shaheed Benazirabad district where Commissioner Nadeem Ahmed Abro, DC Abdul Samad Nizamani, MPA Abdul Qadir Junejo and SSP Shabbir Ahmed Sethar hoisted the flag. In Mirpurkhas, one of the five divisional headquarters in Sindh outside Karachi, saw the main event at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Sports Stadium, aka Gama Stadium, where Commissioner Faisal Ahmed Uqailui, DIG Zubair Ahmed Darishak and Chairman District Council M Anwar Talpur performed the flag raising. Besides the official events, the political and religious parties as well as different government and private organizations also organised separate activities to mark the day. Azadi Train Around a selected 100 tourists from Karachi and Hyderabad were taken for a tour of Umerkot and Tharparkar districts in the Azadi Train which started its journey from Karachi on Wednesday morning. The journey was organised by the Sindh Culture and Tourism Department in collaboration with the Pakistan Railways. The train arrived in Hyderabad around noon on Wednesday after which it headed through the Chor Cantt in Umerkot via Mirpurkhas. On Thursday morning the journey resumed towards Khokharpar border in Tharparkar district. The tourists were also taken to the zero point which is close Khokharapar station. A cake cutting ceremony also took place at the Rangers facility in Khokharapar. The train consisted of four bogies besides an engine. All the bogies as well as the engine were covered in penaflexes of national flavours as well as colourful buntings.
