Islamabad/Karachi/Lahore/Peshawar/Quetta/Muzaffarabad, August 14, 2026: Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership on Friday called for national unity, institutional reforms, economic self-reliance, youth empowerment and collective resolve as the country celebrated its 79th Independence Day with patriotic ceremonies and messages across the country.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute at provincial headquarters, while a change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were also held at the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court in Islamabad.
In their separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and the military leadership paid tribute to the founders of Pakistan, martyrs, veterans and security personnel. They stressed that the country’s independence carried a responsibility to strengthen institutions, improve the economy, protect national sovereignty and ensure greater opportunities for its people.
President stresses peace, reforms and youth empowerment
President Asif Ali Zardari said Independence Day was not merely a historic achievement but a responsibility that every generation must carry forward.
Paying tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement and millions of Muslims who sacrificed their homes, security and livelihoods for an independent homeland, he said Pakistan created through the democratic will of its people must continue to become stronger, more secure and more prosperous.
Recalling the events surrounding Marka-i-Haq, President Zardari said Pakistan sought peace but possessed the resolve and capability to defend its sovereignty and national interests. He stressed that national strength should ultimately be used to prevent conflict, protect peace and serve the interests of the people.
He paid tribute to the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police for their sacrifices in protecting the country against external aggression and terrorism.
The president also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in the region, saying disputes must ultimately be resolved through diplomacy and peaceful means.
“Our security is linked to the peace and stability of our neighbourhood and the world at large,” he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
Turning to domestic priorities, President Zardari called for stronger institutions, governance, economic and social reforms, improved education and skills, and greater opportunities for young people.
He described Pakistan’s youth as the country’s greatest strength, saying investment in their education, skills and opportunities was an investment in the nation’s future.
He emphasized that national progress must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens through better education and healthcare, employment opportunities and a more secure economic environment.
The president reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of occupied Kashmir and called for a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of its people and relevant United Nations resolutions.
On Afghanistan, he expressed concern over what he described as the presence and activities of militant groups operating from Afghan territory against Pakistan and warned that the country would defend its people and national security.
PM highlights economic stability and national unity
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement whose vision, sacrifices and determination led to the creation of Pakistan.
He said the government had successfully navigated difficult circumstances over the past two-and-a-half years and achieved economic stability while moving towards the goal of transforming Pakistan into a developed economy.
The prime minister noted that remittances from overseas Pakistanis had increased by $11.3 billion over the past two years, describing the rise as a reflection of their confidence in government policies.
He identified modern information technology, innovation-driven industrial and agricultural development, employment generation, education and skills development as key government priorities.
Paying tribute to the armed forces, Shehbaz Sharif said they had demonstrated unity, courage and professional capability during Marka-i-Haq under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to defend its national interests, including its water resources, and said the country would continue to play a constructive role in promoting regional and global peace.
The prime minister described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as an important reflection of Pakistan’s growing strategic role in the region.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and the people of occupied Kashmir, saying lasting peace in South Asia required a diplomatic resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with international law, United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Shehbaz Sharif urged all segments of society, particularly political parties, to join hands in promoting national unity, protecting national interests and advancing Pakistan’s development.
Military leadership renews pledge to defend Pakistan
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also issued a joint Independence Day message.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the armed forces paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam and all those whose sacrifices resulted in the creation of Pakistan.
The military leadership acknowledged the sacrifices of martyrs, the services of veterans, law enforcement personnel and all Pakistanis who had contributed to the country’s security and development.
The armed forces reaffirmed their resolve to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against all threats, uphold the Constitution and fulfil the trust placed in them by the people.
The military leadership said Pakistan’s strength lay in the unity and collective resolve of its people and called for greater national cohesion, tolerance and adherence to the principles of faith, unity and discipline.
Dar stresses sovereignty and diplomacy
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remained determined to safeguard its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity while pursuing peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
Recalling the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq, Dar said the events of last year had reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend itself while remaining committed to international law and responsible statecraft.
He said Pakistan had made significant progress in education, science and technology, economic development, sports and culture and had strengthened its international position through expanding diplomatic engagement, economic connectivity and defence cooperation.
Dar highlighted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, describing it as a historic agreement reflecting the three countries’ shared resolve to strengthen strategic cooperation and collective security.
Paying tribute to the armed forces, police and paramilitary personnel, he said their professionalism and commitment remained a bulwark of Pakistan’s national security.
The deputy prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and urged the nation to draw renewed inspiration from the ideals that led to the creation of Pakistan.
He called for stronger institutions, national unity and greater efforts to harness the country’s human potential to build a stronger, prosperous and peaceful Pakistan.
AJK president reaffirms solidarity with Pakistan
In Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Chaudhry Latif Akbar said Kashmir and Pakistan shared centuries-old bonds rooted in common history, culture, religion, traditions and aspirations.
Addressing a flag-hoisting ceremony, he expressed gratitude to Pakistan for consistently supporting the Kashmiri people and raising their cause at international forums.
Akbar recalled the Kashmiri leadership’s July 19, 1947, resolution seeking accession of the princely state to Pakistan and said the people of AJK remained firmly committed to their historic relationship with Pakistan.
He said Kashmiris would never forget Pakistan’s support during difficult periods and declared that the people of AJK stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the people of Pakistan.
Maryam Nawaz calls for practical patriotism
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated the nation on Independence Day and urged every Pakistani to reaffirm their commitment to contributing to the country’s progress.
In her message, she paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Fatima Jinnah and other leaders of the Pakistan Movement, as well as the martyrs and veterans who sacrificed for the establishment, development and defence of the country.
She also paid special tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces and soldiers deployed along the country’s borders.
Maryam Nawaz said the government was working to provide future generations with a safer, stronger and better Pakistan and called on citizens to fulfil their responsibilities.
She said sincerity and a strong sense of responsibility were among the most meaningful expressions of patriotism.
“True patriotism” could be demonstrated through practical service, she said, citing students studying hard, teachers performing their duties with dedication, doctors serving patients responsibly and traders conducting their businesses honestly.
The chief minister said she wanted to see young Pakistanis equipped with books, pens and laptops, stressing that empowering youth was essential for the country’s future.
Sindh focuses on inclusion and rehabilitation
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah marked Independence Day at a ceremony organised by the Aas Foundation at Haji Sakhiyo Goth, where he hoisted the national flag, cut the Independence Day cake and interacted with children, women, persons with special needs and people recovering from drug addiction and psychological trauma.
Murad Ali Shah said the Sindh government was committed to rehabilitating vulnerable children and individuals affected by addiction and psychological trauma by providing them education, skills and opportunities to become productive and dignified members of society.
He said the government’s responsibility extended beyond treatment and rehabilitation and assured that the provincial government would strengthen cooperation with rehabilitation centres and social welfare organisations.
“The education, training, and welfare of special children and individuals recovering from addiction remain among our top priorities,” he said, emphasizing that rehabilitation must be accompanied by vocational training and employment opportunities.
The chief minister also visited the Children’s Primary Unit and Children’s Halfway House and encouraged children in their educational and rehabilitation journeys.
KP chief minister calls for reforms and economic self-reliance
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said Independence Day was not merely an occasion for celebration but an opportunity to renew the national commitment to building Pakistan according to Quaid-i-Azam’s vision.
He said the objective of independence was not simply to acquire geographical territory but to establish a state based on the rule of law, equal rights and protection of fundamental freedoms.
Afridi called for fundamental reforms to address political, economic and institutional challenges, stressing the importance of democratic accountability, an independent judiciary and effective institutions.
He described youth as Pakistan’s greatest strength and called for greater access to justice, quality education, employment and economic opportunities.
The chief minister also stressed that financial self-reliance and economic stability were essential for genuine national independence, saying an economically weak country could not remain fully sovereign in its decision-making.
Balochistan vows to confront violence and promote development
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said Pakistan had, over 79 years, established itself as a nuclear power with growing international recognition.
Addressing an Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at the Balochistan Assembly lawns, Bugti paid tribute to the country’s leadership and the sacrifices of Pakistan Army personnel, Balochistan Police, Frontier Corps and civilians.
He said the people of Balochistan had once again demonstrated their commitment to Pakistan by celebrating Independence Day across districts, divisions, towns and villages.
Rejecting separatist ambitions, Bugti said those who believed terrorism or violence could divide Pakistan were “living in a fool’s paradise.”
He said the doors of the state remained open for dialogue within the framework of the Constitution but ruled out negotiations with groups involved in killing innocent citizens.
“No ideology can be imposed at gunpoint,” he said, urging militants to abandon violence and return to the national mainstream.
Bugti also emphasized merit-based opportunities for Balochistan’s youth, describing them as architects of Pakistan’s future. He announced a grant of Rs1 million to encourage schoolchildren who presented national songs during the ceremony.
The chief minister concluded by praying for lasting peace in Pakistan and a future in which all segments of society could live with security, dignity and harmony.
