Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday 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.
Addressing the main event on Independence Day and the commemoration of the Marka-e-Haq victory in Islamabad, the prime minister said the proposed charter was not merely an economic revival plan but a framework based on broader national interest.
He emphasised that the world should see that, despite differences, Pakistanis remain united for the country’s cause.
The main ceremony marking Pakistan’s Independence Day and the Marka-e-Haq took place at Jinnah Sports Stadium, with President Asif Ali Zardari as the chief guest.
PM Shehbaz, the chiefs of the three armed forces, and national and foreign dignitaries were also in attendance, along with a large number of citizens.
During his speech, the premier said that in just four days, India’s arrogance had been shattered, and its future generations would remember the defeat.
He credited Pakistan’s nuclear capability as a strategic necessity in response to India’s nuclear power.
PM expressed gratitude to friendly countries — including China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Iran — for their open support of Pakistan’s stance.
The prime minister also thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts toward a ceasefire, hoping for a resolution to the Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan had made unmatched sacrifices in the war against terrorism, with 90,000 lives lost and over $150 billion in economic losses.
He warned that no new unrest would be tolerated. While upholding the right to protest, he said there was no right to vandalism, abuse, or rebellion against the state, which the government would never allow to take root.
PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement, calling the struggle not just a war of independence but a triumph of the two-nation theory.
He highlighted recent economic improvements, noting inflation had fallen from 34% to 5% and the interest rate from 21% to 11%.
The prime minister thanked the judiciary for helping recover over Rs100 billion for the national treasury and acknowledged the cooperation of Field Marshal Asim Munir in working with the civilian government.
The PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to stand with the people of Palestine and Kashmir until their rights are secured.
He announced the formation of an Army Rocket Force Command, terming it a key milestone in the advancement of the country’s military response capability.
Celebrations
Earlier, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution paying tribute to the nation’s martyrs and reaffirming the resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and independence at all costs.
Across the country, celebrations are in full swing, with streets, neighbourhoods, and cities adorned in the green and white of the national flag.
In Punjab, rallies and events were held in Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Jhang, Narowal, and other cities.
Sindh witnessed festivities in Sukkur, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Thatta, and Badin, while in Balochistan, rallies were held in Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Sibi, Bolan, Sohbatpur, Lehri, Gwadar, and other towns.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a special Independence Day celebration for the minority community was organised at the Mardan Commissioner’s Office, while in Karak, preparations reached their peak.
In Azad Kashmir, colourful events were held at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad, and a ‘Martyrs’ Honour March’ took place in Mirpur.
At Shakarparian Parade Ground, military aircraft, tanks, artillery, radars, and other weapons used in the battle are on public display.
