ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani nation is celebrating its 77th Independence Day today, August 14, with a series of vibrant celebrations and a renewed commitment to the spirit of the Pakistan Movement. The day will be marked by several events and ceremonies reflecting national pride and unity.
The celebrations will commence with a grand thirty-one gun salute in the Federal Capital, Islamabad, and a twenty-one gun salute at provincial headquarters. At dawn, special prayers will be offered in mosques for peace, solidarity, and prosperity for the nation.
The highlight of the day will be the national flag hoisting ceremony in Islamabad, which will be attended by key government officials and dignitaries. Similar flag-hoisting events will take place at provincial, divisional, and district headquarters throughout Pakistan, reinforcing a sense of national pride and unity.
Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television will highlight the extraordinary services and sacrifices of heroes of the Pakistan Movement on the day and pay tributes to their extraordinary contributions to making Pakistan a reality.
In preparation for the celebrations, cities across the country have been adorned with patriotic decorations. Roadside stalls have sprung up, offering flags, badges, stickers, and themed clothing for both adults and children.
Meanwhile, numerous public and private buildings are illuminated with colourful lights, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their heartfelt congratulations to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day, calling for unity, integrity, and economic stability.
In his message on Independence Day, President Zardari highlighted the peaceful and democratic creation of Pakistan as a historic achievement and paid tribute to the leaders, workers, and forefathers who made significant sacrifices for the country.
President Zardari emphasized the importance of setting aside differences and dedicating efforts towards the nation’s unity and economic stability to address current challenges. He acknowledged Pakistan’s rich human and natural resources and stressed the collective responsibility to utilize these resources for the public good. Upholding the rule of law, strengthening democratic institutions, and working in the public interest were also highlighted as key priorities.
Drawing inspiration from Quaid-e-Azam’s leadership, the President underscored the need to focus on the welfare of the people, particularly the poor, to ensure national prosperity. He called for substantial investments in youth and women, improved service delivery, and the creation of a business-friendly environment to build a stronger nation.
“We must be guided by the vision of our Quaid. To make Pakistan a prosperous state, our focus should be on the well-being of our people, especially the poor. Investing in youth and women, enhancing service delivery, and fostering a conducive business environment are crucial steps towards making Pakistan great,” Zardari stated.
The President also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, who have long fought for their freedom and self-determination. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for their legitimate rights.
At the end, Zardari urged a collective commitment to uplift the nation and work towards its prosperity, concluding with a prayer for divine guidance and support.
Similarly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a message on Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day, said the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and prosperous nation. He highlighted that recent economic initiatives are beginning to show positive results.
“Within a short period, our efforts have begun to bear fruit. The economy is stabilizing, with inflation dropping from 38% to 11.1% in July, and we are working towards reducing it to single digits soon, Inshallah,” the Prime Minister stated.
He extended warm congratulations to the citizens and honored the sacrifices of the forefathers and unsung heroes of the Pakistan Movement, which led to Pakistan’s creation on August 14, 1947, under the steadfast leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Prime Minister recognized the resilience of the Pakistani people, who have faced natural disasters, economic, and social challenges over the decades, yet their spirit of unity and determination has remained strong.
Expressing confidence in the nation’s collaborative efforts, he praised the contributions of overseas Pakistanis, acknowledging their role in promoting Pakistan’s positive image globally.
He also expressed gratitude to the armed forces for their role in safeguarding the country’s borders and sovereignty.
While celebrating freedom, he expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine, who have long struggled for self-determination and face severe state repression. He reiterated Pakistan’s moral, political, and diplomatic support for their causes.
The Prime Minister addressed the country’s economic challenges, including inflation, high energy costs, unemployment, and debt. Since taking office after the February 2024 elections, the government has prioritized creating conditions conducive to economic growth and stability.
He highlighted Pakistan’s natural resources and youthful workforce as valuable assets. The government is focused on attracting investments, accelerating industrialization, and enhancing economic prosperity. Efforts are also being made to improve education and skill development to better prepare the youth for the global economy.
Additionally, the Prime Minister is personally overseeing a national initiative to digitize the economy and broaden the tax base to provide relief to taxpayers. The government is also working to reduce electricity prices, with anticipated results soon.
