Islamabad, August 13, 2026: Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has felicitated the nation on the occasion of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, calling August 14 a historic day that provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the sacrifices behind the creation of Pakistan and renew the national resolve to build a stronger, prosperous and developed country.
In his message, the Speaker said the creation of Pakistan was the result of a sustained struggle, determination and unprecedented sacrifices by the Muslims of the subcontinent. He said Pakistan remains a living symbol of the courage, perseverance and sacrifices of its founders.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq urged the nation to place national interests above personal, political, linguistic and regional differences. He said national unity, tolerance, democratic continuity, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law were essential for achieving sustainable development, stability and prosperity.
Paying tribute to the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies, the Speaker said they had rendered unparalleled sacrifices for the country’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Referring to the recent Marka-e-Haq, he said the Pakistani nation and its armed forces had demonstrated exceptional unity, courage, determination and professional capability.
He paid rich tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis, saying their sacrifices for Pakistan’s defence, peace and security would always be remembered with the highest respect. He said their sacrifices continued to inspire the nation to fulfil its responsibilities and remain committed to defending the homeland.
The Speaker also highlighted Pakistan’s role in promoting peace, dialogue and diplomacy, saying the country’s efforts during recent regional tensions had received international recognition. He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in promoting regional and global peace, stability and international cooperation.
Referring to the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq described it as an important development for strengthening mutual trust, defence cooperation and collective security among the three countries. He said enhanced cooperation among brotherly Islamic countries could contribute significantly to regional peace and stability.
The Speaker stressed that the meaning of freedom extended beyond the protection of borders and national sovereignty. It also required building a Pakistan where every citizen could enjoy equal opportunities, justice, quality education, healthcare, employment and the benefits of economic development.
He identified economic stability, self-reliance, human resource development, employment creation, modern technology and youth empowerment as key priorities for building a prosperous Pakistan.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said Parliament would continue to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities by ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution, legislation, public representation, accountability and the promotion of democratic values. He said a strong and empowered Parliament could effectively represent public aspirations, build national consensus and address people’s problems.
The Speaker also paid tribute to the women who played an important role in the Pakistan Movement. He particularly acknowledged the contributions of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan, Begum Jahan Ara Shahnawaz and other women leaders who mobilised public support and helped spread the message of the Muslim League.
Highlighting the importance of young people, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq described the youth as Pakistan’s most valuable asset and the guarantee of its future. He called for greater investment in quality education, modern skills, research and employment, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital technology, science and innovation.
He said the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal called for a Pakistan based on unity, faith, discipline, constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law. He stressed the need to build a strong, sovereign, democratic, constitutional, welfare-oriented and economically stable state.
The Speaker also expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri and Palestinian peoples in their struggles for freedom and the right to self-determination. He said Pakistan could not celebrate its own freedom while ignoring nations that continued to struggle for their fundamental rights, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for their legitimate right to self-determination.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the country’s development and prosperity were a shared national responsibility and called for national interests to be placed above personal and group interests.
He urged the nation to renew its commitment to the Constitution, rule of law, national unity and solidarity, and to contribute to transforming Pakistan into a strong, sovereign, democratic and welfare state in line with the vision of the country’s founding leadership.
The Speaker expressed confidence that Pakistan could achieve new heights of development and prosperity through collective determination, hard work, honesty, discipline and unity. He also prayed for peace, stability and prosperity in the country and for the protection of Pakistan from internal and external challenges.
