ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday hailed the nation’s and armed forces’ unwavering resolve, saying the triumph in ‘Marka-e-Haq’ showcased their unshakeable strength and capability to defend the country, forged through countless sacrifices.
The prime minister was addressing the main ceremony in connection with the Independence Day of Pakistan and the commemoration of victory in ‘Marka-e-Haq’. The main ceremony took place at Jinnah Sports Stadium, with President Asif Ali Zardari as the chief guest. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, and national and foreign dignitaries were also in attendance, along with a large number of citizens.
The ceremony featured a grand march-past centred around contingents from the three services, Special Services Group commandos, and honoured guests from Azerbaijan and Turkiye. The event culminated in a rousing national song, with the audience joining in, and a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the night sky
The PM highlighted the significance of Independence Day’s connection to the victory in ‘Marka-e-Haq’, noting that India’s aggression, fueled by false allegations, was swiftly repelled as Pakistan’s unwavering spirit proved decisive, crushing India’s arrogance within just four days. He credited the leadership of Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, General Sahir Shamshad, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber for the armed forces’ success, saying under their unified command, the military delivered a decisive blow to the adversary, leaving a lasting impact. “Our soldiers stood like a solid wall,” he added. Field Marshal Asim’s strategy has earned respect from all quarters, he acknowledged. He particularly mentioned China, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Turkiye and the UAE for extending moral support to Pakistan during ‘Marka-e-Haq’.
Shehbaz unveiled the establishment of the ‘Army Rocket Force Command’, bolstering Pakistan’s defence capabilities as one of world’s seven nuclear powers. Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the pioneers who made Pakistan a nuclear power, including Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and the armed forces. He also lauded Nawaz Sharif’s bold decision on May 28, 1998, rejecting $5 billion and international pressure. Sharif reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities are solely for defensive purposes, a response to India’s nuclear programme and not for aggression.
The prime minister thanked President Trump for facilitating a ceasefire and urged him to help resolve the Kashmir issue in line with the UN resolutions for lasting peace. Highlighting economic progress under his government, he cited reduced interest rates, lower inflation and a thriving stock market, with international institutions acknowledging Pakistan’s recovery.
The PM thanked the armed forces, particularly Field Marshal Asim Munir, for creating harmony at every level from the National Action Plan to the National Economic Plan. “A latest example is agreement reached with the US on tariff plan for which the financial team also played a role,” he said. He invited all political parties, stakeholders, and civil society to become part of the ‘Charter of Pakistan’s Stability’, stressing the need to move beyond political divisions, personal interests, and hollow slogans. The prime minister said the proposed charter was not merely an economic revival plan but a framework based on broader national interest. He emphasized that the world should see that, despite differences, Pakistanis remain united for the country’s cause.
The prime minister emphasized that after immense sacrifices against terrorism, Pakistan won’t tolerate another ‘fitna’, stressing the right to protest, criticize and engage in politics, but not to resort to violence, vandalism, defamation or rebellion against the state.
