ISLAMABAD; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to all political parties, stakeholders, and civil society to become part of Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan (Charter for Stability of Pakistan) during the Independence Day celebrations and commemoration of Marka-i-Haq.
The grand ceremony at Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Stadium was attended by senior civil and military leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, federal and provincial ministers, and foreign diplomats.
Addressing the gathering, PM Shehbaz stated, “The time has come to rise above political divisions, personal interests, and empty slogans and adopt collective thinking for Pakistan. On this historic day, I once again, with an open heart, invite all political parties, stakeholders, and civil society to join the Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan.”
He clarified that the charter is not merely a plan to revive the economy but a framework aimed at serving the greater national interest, demonstrating to the world that while differences exist, Pakistanis are united for their beloved country.
During the event, the Prime Minister unveiled the digital model of the Marka-i-Haq Monument. The ceremony featured parades by various branches of the armed forces, including contingents from Turkey and Azerbaijan. Fighter jets conducted a night-time fly-by with flares, and formations were displayed spelling out “Freedom” and “Marka-i-Haq,” as well as the national flag.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal had earlier noted that this year’s Independence Day celebrations would be held under the banner of “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth) to highlight the nation’s resilience, progress, and pride. The military named the period of conflict with India, from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the May 10 conclusion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, as Marka-i-Haq.
PM Shehbaz praised Pakistan’s nuclear capability as a strategic deterrent and acknowledged the support of friendly nations including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Iran, as well as US efforts under President Donald Trump to broker a ceasefire.
He also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the war on terrorism, highlighting the loss of 90,000 lives and economic damages exceeding $150 billion. The Prime Minister emphasized that while the right to protest is protected, any acts of vandalism, abuse, or rebellion against the state would not be tolerated.
The premier also honored leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement, calling it a triumph of the two-nation theory. He highlighted recent economic improvements, including a drop in inflation from 34% to 5% and interest rates from 21% to 11%, and praised the judiciary for recovering over Rs100 billion for the national treasury. He also acknowledged Field Marshal Asim Munir’s cooperation with the civilian government.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to stand with the people of Palestine and Kashmir until their rights are secured.
Earlier, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution honoring the nation’s martyrs and reaffirming the resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty. Across the country, Independence Day celebrations are underway, with streets and cities adorned in green and white.
Rallies and events were held in major cities of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir. At Shakarparian Parade Ground, military equipment including aircraft, tanks, artillery, and radars used during the Marka-i-Haq period were displayed for public viewing.
