Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced the formation of the Army Rocket Force Command, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, during Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day celebrations and the ‘Marka-e-Haq’ commemoration at Jinnah Sports Stadium.
Among the senior dignitaries present at the Jinnah Sports Stadium event are President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, Deputy PM 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 state ministers and foreign officials.
Addressing the main ceremony, the prime minister said the new force would be capable of targeting the enemy “from all directions” and would further strengthen Pakistan’s traditional fighting capabilities.
“The brave soldiers of our armed forces fought the enemy by becoming a wall of lead,” he said, recalling Pakistan’s recent victory in the May conflict. “India’s pride was reduced to dust in just four days.”
The premier lauded the armed forces for their professionalism and sacrifice, and also credited Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing a “key role” in securing a trade agreement with the United States. He stressed that Pakistan was now firmly on the path of economic independence.
“Economic indicators are improving, inflation is decreasing, and Pakistan is emerging from the economic crisis to enter a new era,” he said, adding that the country’s debt burden had been halved. He declared that Pakistan was moving towards a phase of sustainable economic growth that would “bring prosperity to every household.”
Touching on global issues, Shehbaz Sharif called the Palestine conflict “a test of humanity’s conscience” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinian people. He also vowed to continue raising Pakistan’s voice for a peaceful resolution to the issue of occupied Jammu and Kashmir. “We will never abandon the just cause of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters,” he stressed.
The prime minister expressed hope that “President Trump will definitely play a role for lasting peace in the region,” underscoring the importance of global diplomatic engagement.
Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan
PM also invited all political parties of the country to become part of Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan (Charter for Stability of Pakistan) on the occasion of festivities to mark Marka-i-Haq and Independence Day.
“The time has come for us to move beyond political division, personal interest and empty slogans to adopt collective thinking for Pakistan. On this great day today, I once again, with an open heart, invite all political parties, stakeholders and civil society to become part of Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan.”
He said the above was not a plan to revive the Charter of Economy but to lay the basis for the greater national interest so the whole world could see that “differences have their own place but we are all one for the sake of our beloved Pakistan”.
The prime minister said the country would not give space to another ‘fitna’ after the many sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, adding that everyone had the right to protest, to criticise and to conduct politics but not to riot and vandalise, to defame and curse and to rebel against the state.
The premier paid tribute to the nation’s founders and ideologues whose “leadership and efforts changed history and geography” and to the country’s armed forces for their performance in May’s military conflict against India, saying it was dealt a “historic lesson” that its future generations would remember “for eternity”.
PM Shehbaz also thanked Pakistan’s allies for their support and solidarity on the international arena amid the tensions with India.
“I am also grateful to US President Donald Trump and his team for taking a strong role in the ceasefire. I am hopeful that for regional peace, Trump will play his role in peacefully resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions.”
He added, “Pakistan clearly states that it will stand with its oppressed brothers and sisters. What is happening to the Palestinians is a test of our humanity. Pakistan will fight … until our Palestinian and Kashmiri brethren get their rights.”
The prime minister subsequently unveiled the digital model of the Marka-i-Haq Monument.
The countdown to midnight and Aug 14 culminated in a spectacular fireworks display in the capital’s sky while the national anthem was played.
The ceremony featured a spectacular parade by the armed forces, Punjab Rangers, and Frontier Corps, followed by a march-past of the musical bands of the three services. Decorated troops saluted the president, prime minister, and field marshal, while SSG Commandos staged a special march. Contingents from Azerbaijan and Turkey also joined the parade.
A grand flypast of fighter jets and helicopters enthralled the audience, symbolising Pakistan’s military strength. At the Shakarparian Parade Ground, military aircraft, tanks, artillery, radars, and other weaponry used in the recent battle were put on display for the public.
Earlier, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution paying tribute to martyrs and pledging to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty at all costs.
Independence Day festivities swept across the country. In Punjab, rallies and cultural events took place in Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Jhang, Narowal, and other cities. Sindh saw celebrations 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 celebration for the minority community was organised at the Mardan Commissioner’s Office, and in Karak, preparations reached their peak. In Azad Kashmir, vibrant events were held at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad, and a ‘Martyrs’ Honour March’ was staged in Mirpur, rounding off a day of national pride and unity.