ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership stressed the need for unity and reforms as the nation celebrated 79 years of independence on Friday.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the day dawned with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute at the provincial headquarters. A change of guard ceremony was also 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.
Civil, military leaders pay tribute to Quaid-i-Azam and those who sacrificed for country
Tribute to Quaid
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on X, paid tribute to the Quaid-i-Azam, those behind the Pakistan Movement and those who sacrificed their homes, security and livelihoods in the struggle for a homeland.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate dialogue in the region.
“Pakistan has effectively used its channels of communication, its geographical location and diplomatic capital to encourage dialogue and de-escalation at a time when wider conflict could have serious consequences for the region and the world,” he said.
He also voiced Pakistan’s support for the people of occupied Kashmir, saying Islamabad will continue to support a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with the aspirations of its people and the United Nations resolutions.
On Afghanistan, the president said that Pakistan had always respected and supported the sovereignty of our neighbour and expected reciprocity.
“It is sad that the current interim regime of Afghanistan is allowing and supporting a cocktail of terror groups to use their soil for launching attacks against neighbouring countries, including Pakistan,” he said.
Economic stability
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on X, paid tribute to the founding leaders of Pakistan, saying the nation owed the fulfilment of its dream of an independent homeland to their vision, statesmanship and sacrifices.
PM Shehbaz said the country had successfully navigated challenging circumstances to achieve economic stability and was now moving towards becoming a developed economy.
He also expressed solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir and the Palestinian people. The prime minister called upon all segments of society, particularly political parties, to work together for national unity, integrity and the advancement of national interests.
‘Pakistan’s strength lies in unity’
Separately, CDF Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also paid tribute to the Quaid and those whose sacrifices resulted in a sovereign Pakistan, according to a statement issued by the ISPR.
They said that Pakistan’s strength lies in the unity and collective resolve of its people. ‘‘On this Independence Day, let us renew our commitment to the enduring principles of faith, unity and discipline, strengthen national cohesion, promote tolerance and work together towards a secure, stable and prosperous Pakistan,” they added.
“Shoulder to shoulder”
Also, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Chaudhry Latif Akbar expressed gratitude to Pakistan for standing by the Kashmiri people and advocating their cause at international forums, as well as repeatedly calling for implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions.
“Pakistan has also stood with the people of Kashmir through difficult periods and fought wars in defence of its position on the Kashmir dispute,” he said.
Mr Akbar reiterated that the people of AJK stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the people of Pakistan and said their destinies were intertwined.
Tariq Naqash in Muzaffarabad also contributed to this report
Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026