ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership has called for national unity, institutional reforms and economic progress as the country marks its 79th Independence Day.
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 organised at the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court in Islamabad.
Zardari links national security with regional peace
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his Independence Day message, paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam, the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement and those who made sacrifices for the creation of the country.
He said independence should not only be viewed as a historic milestone but also as a responsibility for every generation to strengthen the country and improve the lives of its citizens.
1/2 Message from the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari on 79th Independence Anniversary On the occasion of the 79th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Pakistanis at home and abroad. 14 August is a day when we remember the… pic.twitter.com/ugukeVtuiz
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 13, 2026Referring to last year’s conflict with India, Zardari said Pakistan had demonstrated that it wanted peace but had the ability and determination to protect its sovereignty and national interests.
He stressed that military strength should be used responsibly to prevent conflict, preserve peace and protect the interests of the people.
The president also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, police and law enforcement agencies who had lost their lives while protecting the country from external threats and terrorism.
Zardari said Pakistan had used diplomatic channels and its strategic position to encourage dialogue and reduce tensions in the region. He maintained that disputes should ultimately be resolved through diplomacy and negotiations.
“Pakistan’s security is closely connected with peace and stability in its neighbourhood and beyond,” he said, adding that Islamabad would continue supporting initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and promoting regional cooperation.
Top leadership reaffirms commitment to objectives of Independence
The president called for greater focus on economic development, education, skills and institutional reforms.
He said Pakistan needed to create more opportunities for young people and ensure that the benefits of economic growth and democracy reached all sections of society.
Zardari described the youth as Pakistan’s biggest asset, saying investment in education, skills and opportunities for young people would determine the country’s future.
He said national progress should ultimately be reflected in better employment opportunities, quality healthcare and education, and greater economic security for families, workers, farmers and businesses.
The president also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of occupied Kashmir and called for a peaceful settlement of the dispute in accordance with their aspirations and relevant UN resolutions.
On Afghanistan, Zardari said Pakistan respected its neighbour’s sovereignty but expected Kabul to prevent its territory from being used against Pakistan.
He accused the Afghan Taliban administration of allowing militant groups to operate from its soil and urged it to stop activities that threaten Pakistani citizens and security personnel.
He concluded by urging citizens to contribute to Pakistan’s development through their respective professions and fields.
Shehbaz highlights economic stability and national unity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the leaders of the Pakistan Movement, saying the creation of Pakistan was made possible through their vision, leadership and sacrifices.
The prime minister highlighted what he described as improvements in the country’s economy over the past two-and-a-half years, saying Pakistan had overcome difficult conditions and achieved greater economic stability.
He said the government was now working towards transforming the country into a developed economy.
Shehbaz noted that remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis had risen by $11.3 billion over the past two years, describing the increase as an indication of confidence in government policies.
He identified information technology, innovation, industrial and agricultural development, employment generation, education and skills training as key areas of government focus.
پاکستان اور بیرون ملک مقیم تمام اہل وطن کو دل کی اتھاہ گہرائیوں سے یومِ آزادی کی خوشیاں مبارک! آج پاکستان کی آزادی کے 79 سال مکمل ہونے کے پُرمسرت موقع پر تمام اہل وطن کو دلی مبارکباد پیش کرتا ہوں۔ صد شکر کہ اللہ تعالیٰ نے ہمیں مملکت خداداد کی صورت میں آزادی جیسی گرانقدر نعمت…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 14, 2026Paying tribute to the armed forces, the prime minister said the military had displayed unity and courage under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during Marka-i-Haq.
He said Pakistan would continue protecting its national interests, including its water resources, while maintaining its role as a responsible state and supporting regional and global peace.
Shehbaz also referred to the defence agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, describing it as evidence of Pakistan’s expanding strategic importance in the region.
He expressed solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir and Palestinians, saying lasting peace in South Asia required a diplomatic settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with international law, UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister called on political parties and other segments of society to work together to strengthen national unity, protect the country’s interests and promote development.
Armed forces renew pledge to defend Pakistan
Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief 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 (ISPR), the military leadership honoured Quaid-i-Azam and all those who made sacrifices for the establishment of Pakistan.
The armed forces also recognised the contributions of martyrs, veterans, law enforcement personnel and citizens who had served the country.
The military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, defending the country against threats and upholding the Constitution.
It said the armed forces would continue working with the nation to maintain peace and stability and support an environment suitable for economic and national development.
The statement stressed that Pakistan’s strength depended on the unity and collective determination of its people.
It urged citizens to renew their commitment to the principles of faith, unity and discipline while promoting tolerance and national cohesion.
Dar stresses sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remained determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a televised message, Dar recalled last year’s conflict with India, saying Pakistan’s response had demonstrated its resolve to defend its national interests while remaining committed to international law and regional peace.
He congratulated Pakistanis at home and abroad and paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam and the workers of the Pakistan Movement for their leadership and sacrifices.
Dar said Pakistan had made significant progress since independence in education, science and technology, economic development, sports and culture.
He described the country as a resilient nation of more than 250 million people, united by a common history and shared aspirations.
The foreign minister also pointed to Pakistan’s expanding diplomatic engagement, economic partnerships and defence cooperation, saying these reflected the country’s growing confidence and its desire to contribute to regional and global stability.
Video Message from the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 on the Occasion of the 80th Independence Day of Pakistan (14 August 2026) pic.twitter.com/iza9iqtcG8
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 13, 2026Referring to the defence agreement between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, Dar said the accord would strengthen strategic cooperation and collective security.
He also paid tribute to the armed forces, police and paramilitary personnel, describing their dedication as a key pillar of national security.
Dar said Pakistan remained committed to dialogue, cooperation and peaceful relations with other countries.
He maintained that the recent conflict with India had highlighted the need to resolve longstanding disputes, particularly the Kashmir issue, through peaceful means.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination under relevant UN resolutions.
Concluding his message, Dar urged citizens to draw inspiration from the ideals behind Pakistan’s creation, strengthen national institutions, preserve unity and use the country’s human potential to build a more prosperous and peaceful future.