Islamabad, August 13, 2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called on the nation to renew its commitment to national unity, economic development, peace and stability as Pakistan marks its 79th Independence Day.
In his message on Independence Day, the prime minister extended warm felicitations to Pakistanis at home and abroad, expressing gratitude to Allah Almighty for the country’s independence and paying tribute to the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement and the sacrifices of their forefathers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the creation of Pakistan was made possible through the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the intellectual guidance of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the determination of the Pakistan Movement leadership and the immense sacrifices of the Muslims of the subcontinent.
He said Pakistan was created as a homeland where people could live with dignity and honour and shape their lives according to their religious and cultural values. He stressed that the Constitution and laws of Pakistan guarantee equal fundamental rights to all citizens without discrimination based on caste, creed or colour.
The prime minister highlighted the achievements of Pakistanis in diverse fields, including defence, economy, industry, commerce, judiciary, media, sports, education, science and agriculture. He described the country’s youth, skilled workforce, professionals, farmers and labourers as the true guarantors of Pakistan’s future.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the government had successfully navigated extremely challenging circumstances over the past two and a half years and achieved economic stability, with the country now moving towards the goal of a developed economy.
He said overseas Pakistanis had demonstrated continued confidence in the government’s policies, with remittances increasing by $11.3 billion over the past two years.
Harnessing modern information technology, promoting innovation-driven and sustainable industrial and agricultural development, expanding public welfare projects, creating employment opportunities and establishing world-class education and skills development systems remain among the government’s foremost priorities, he added.
The prime minister paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces, saying they had consistently demonstrated their capability and resolve in defending the country against hostile attacks.
Referring to Marka-e-Haq, he said the armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, displayed exemplary unity, courage and determination and added another chapter to Pakistan’s history of defence and national honour.
He said Pakistan remained prepared to make every sacrifice for the defence of the country and to safeguard its national interests, including its rights over water resources.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also paid tribute to the country’s martyrs, Ghazis and personnel of law enforcement agencies who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan’s security and future.
The prime minister said Pakistan had emerged as a strong, resolute and dignified country and a committed advocate of peace.
Amid a complex regional environment, he said Pakistan had continued to play a constructive role as a responsible and stabilising force in promoting regional cooperation, peace and global stability.
He described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a testament to Pakistan’s effective regional role and emerging strategic strength.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated the country’s principled support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said lasting peace in South Asia depended on a diplomatic resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister urged all segments of society, particularly political parties, to work together for national integrity and the protection and advancement of Pakistan’s national interests.
“Let us, on this day, renew our national resolve to work together for the development and prosperity, peace and stability, mutual harmony and national unity,” he said.
He called for constructive cooperation among political forces, stressing that national interests should remain above differences.
Prime Minister Shehbaz concluded his message by praying that Allah Almighty would make Pakistan a symbol of honour and dignity among the comity of nations and bless the country with continued success, progress, peace and prosperity.
