ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the central ceremony of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, congratulated the nation and described the day as part of a long and historic struggle.
He said the sacrifices of the country’s forefathers are visible everywhere, adding that the struggle was not merely for freedom but a victory for the Two-Nation Theory.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, and all leaders of the Pakistan Movement, saying that only a few people have the ability to change the course of history.
He said this year’s Independence Day has been named the “Victory of Truth,” recalling that India attacked Pakistan under false allegations, believing its military strength could subdue the country. “Wars are not fought on the basis of weapons alone,” he stated, adding that India’s pride was shattered in just four days.
He praised the armed forces for standing like an iron wall against the enemy, saying that the lessons given to India by Pakistani soldiers will be remembered for generations.
The Prime Minister called Field Marshal Asim Munir “a great son of the nation,” crediting him with devising a war strategy acknowledged by both friends and foes. “On May 10, 2025, a new nation emerged,” he said.
He stressed that Pakistan has the capability to give a full response to any enemy, noting that it is the only Islamic country with nuclear capability and the seventh nuclear power in the world. He praised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for rejecting pressure on May 28, 1998, and refusing to compromise on national defense. “Our nuclear power is not aggressive in nature; we adopted it to strengthen our defense,” he said.
The Prime Minister also said Pakistan’s economy is on the path to improvement, with international institutions acknowledging its progress. He called for hard work and dedication to achieve further development, and praised overseas Pakistanis for playing a vital role and serving as ambassadors of the nation.
On Kashmir, he said the valley has been soaked in the blood of innocent people and reiterated that Pakistan stands firmly with the oppressed Kashmiris. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause, pledging to stand with both Palestinians and Kashmiris until they achieve their rights.
