Top leadership reaffirms commitment to objectives of Independence

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan’s top leadership on 79th Independence Day has reaffirmed commitment to prosperity, development and invincible defence of the country by adopting the golden principles of Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the nation on Independence Day, saying Pakistanis are celebrating the occasion under the shadow of a “historic victory” and paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom.

Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister said the nation was grateful to Allah for blessing it with an independent homeland, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s founding generation.

Shehbaz said the “Victory Monument” symbolised the nation’s determination and courage, as well as the skill and superiority of its armed forces. He said the success in “Marka-e-Haq” had raised the nation’s pride.

Congratulating the nation on what he described as a great victory, the prime minister paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying Pakistan’s armed forces defeated the enemy under his leadership.

He said the ‘Victory Monument’ had been constructed in just eight months due to the Field Marshal’s personal interest and described it as a symbol of national unity.

“We want peace, not war, but our desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness,” Shehbaz said, adding that Pakistan would stand for peace with honour and dignity.

The prime minister warned that the enemy would always remember its “humiliating defeat” in Marka-e-Haq. He also declared that every drop of Pakistan’s water was a red line and warned India that Islamabad would give a “befitting response” if New Delhi failed to return to the right path.

Shehbaz said providing new opportunities for development to the younger generation remained a key priority, adding that Pakistan had become a symbol of stability in the region.

He said Pakistan wanted to see the region and the wider world free of conflicts and urged Afghanistan’s leadership to prevent its territory from being used as a safe haven for terrorists.

The prime minister said Pakistan had played a role in efforts to end the Iran-US conflict, adding that Field Marshal Asim Munir’s historic contribution would always be remembered.

He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of Kashmir, saying their sacrifices would not be allowed to go in vain and that there would be no compromise on the water issue. He said Pakistan would continue its moral, political and diplomatic support for Kashmiris.

Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled position on the rights of Palestinians.

He praised US President Donald Trump’s role in the Pakistan-India ceasefire, saying Pakistan-US relations were expected to become stronger in the future.

The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s close ties with China, describing the friendship as “higher than the Himalayas and stronger than a rock.” He said China had stood by Pakistan like a rock during difficult times.

Calling for greater national unity, Shehbaz urged the people to set aside their differences, end hatred and promote brotherhood, saying the unity demonstrated by the nation during the days of conflict must be preserved.

PRESIDENT COMMENDS PAKISTANI LEADERSHIP

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Yadgar-e-Fatah monument to commemorate Pakistan’s victory against India in last year’s war, President Asif Ali Zardari commended Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishar Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their successful efforts to protect and advance interests of Pakistan at the international level and unite the Islamic countries.

He said the leadership of Pakistan played a praise worthy role for the unity of Islamic countries and for ending conflict between the United States and Iran and achieving peace in the region.

He said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto set the direction for Pakistan by holding the Islamic conference in Lahore and promoted Islamic brotherhood.

President Zardari paid tribute to leadership of Pakistan; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir for the latest joint defence agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

He said everyone in the world wanted peace and Pakistan would play its role to strengthen the unity of the Islamic countries and to bring the people together to make the world a better place for all to live.

While India had its own agenda as it believed in Akhand Bharat, he noted, adding it should not be forgotten that a Muslim country Pakistan treats its Hindu population better.

He categorically stated that genocide in Gaza was not acceptable to Pakistan, adding Israel since its creation was perpetrating wars in the region and wanted greater Israel but Pakistan along with its allies would not allow it to happen.

He recalled that his father took part in the war for the freedom of Kashmir, adding people from different parts of Pakistan took up arms to fight the Indian army in different wars.

Talking about the future of the country, he stressed that a lot more needs to be done for the welfare of the people and for the coming generations.

He said successes and failures were part of life and an alive nation should be steadfast in achieving its objectives.

The President said Pakistanis living in other countries wanted to return to Pakistan to help in the progress of the country and help achieve the younger generation its dreams through education.

He vowed that Pakistan would be transformed into a developed country according to the vision of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

FIELD MARSHAL SYED ASIM MUNIR

At the end of the ceremony, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir presented souvenirs to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to mark the inauguration of the Yadgar-e-Fatah.

 Earlier, a grand opening ceremony of Yadgar-e-Fatah (Victory Monument) was held in Islamabad, with the event showcasing national pride, patriotism and the country’s resolve to defend its sovereignty.

Contingents of the Pakistan Armed Forces participated in the ceremony alongside personnel from the civil armed forces.

President Asif Ali Zardari was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of Yadgar-e-Fatah in Islamabad. His arrival at the ceremony was announced with a ceremonial bugle call.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also arrived at the venue alongside the president.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and other senior civilian and military officials attended the ceremony.

The services chiefs, federal ministers and foreign diplomats were also present. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Atta Tarar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attended the event.

Later, President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz jointly inaugurated Yadgar-e-Fatah. Field Marshal Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker, Senate chairman, defence minister, foreign minister and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were also present during the inauguration. 

Contingents representing Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan also took part in the ceremony, reflecting the unity and solidarity of the four provinces.

The event featured a strong display of national spirit and paid tribute to the sacrifices and services of Pakistan’s armed forces and security personnel.

The ceremony showcased national unity, solidarity and cohesion, with Yadgar-e-Fatah presented as a symbol of Pakistan’s history, the victory in the Battle of Truth, the sacrifices of martyrs and veterans, and the nation’s unwavering resolve.

Ceremonial contingents participating in the event also represented national unity and solidarity.

A documentary highlighting the construction of Yadgar-e-Fatah was also screened during the ceremony.