Nation celebrates 79th Independence Day with pride, passion, renewed spirit

Grand celebrations were under way as the nation celebrates the 79th Independence Day today with a renewed pledge to work with spirit of Pakistan Movement to make country a true Islamic welfare state, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The day dawned with 31-gun salute at the Federal Capital and 21-gun salute at provincial headquarters, with special prayers were offered in mosques for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country.

It is pertinent to mention that recent victory in the Marka-e-Haq against India's unprovoked aggression has amplified nation's fervour for this year's celebrations of the Independence Day.

Buildings have been decorated with national flags, buntings and lights. People have raised national flags on their vehicles and rooftops of their houses.

The main flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Pakistan Monument in Islamabad where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag.

Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, cabinet members, parliamentarians and school students were present at the ceremony.

On the occasion, special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country.

A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Islamabad where Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi unfurled the national flag.

Change of cuard ceremony held at Mazar-e-Quaid

An impressive change of guard Ceremony was held at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, on Thursday (August 14) to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.

Smartly turned-out cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy assumed the duties of ceremonial guards at the mausoleum. This tradition is observed every year on August 14.

The Pakistan Navy’s ceremonial guard comprised two contingents – one of sailors and the other of cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy. The sailors’ platoon was led by Lieutenant Ali Hassan, while the cadets’ platoon was commanded by Chief Cadet Captain Muhammad Zain.

Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Tassawar Iqbal was the chief guest at the event, while the parade commander duties were performed by Lieutenant Commander Samiullah.

The Pakistan Navy guards presented a national salute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, after which the chief guest inspected the newly deployed guards. Commodore Tassawar Iqbal then laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum, offered Fateha and recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Governor Kamran Tesori, Corps Commander Karachi, DG Rangers, representatives of the three armed forces, IG Sindh, Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Mayor Murtaza Wahab, DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah, and other notable personalities attended the event. Diplomats from friendly countries and representatives of civil society were also present.
During the ceremony, flowers were laid, and impressions were recorded in the guest book. Children warmly welcomed the Chief Minister upon his arrival. 

Change of guard ceremony at Mazar-e-Iqbal

An impressive change of guard ceremony was held at mausoleum of ‘Muffakir-e-Pakistan’ Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.

Acting Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also visited Iqbal’s mausoleum and laid wreath on the grave of Allama Iqbal. He offered Fateha and recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book.

Badshahi Masjid Khateeb Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad also offered dua for country’s peace, stability and development.

CM Bugti marks I-Day with call for unity against terrorism

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti declared that Independence Day is a solemn reminder of the profound sacrifices made by Pakistan’s forefathers. Speaking at a flag-hoisting ceremony on the lawns of the Provincial Assembly, he emphasized that this year’s celebration carries exceptional significance, as the nation has defeated an adversary stronger than an enemy steeped in arrogance and pride.

“Our brave armed forces have achieved a victory that fills every Pakistani with pride,” said CM Bugti. “Their courage and determination have once again proven the strength of our unity.”

On behalf of the people of Balochistan, he extended heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistan Armed Forces particularly Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir as well as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, commending their leadership, vision, and solidarity.

Bugti hailed the victory as a symbol of national cohesion, noting that Balochistan has always stood firm in times of crisis. “From Gwadar to Zhob, the people celebrated Independence Day with unmatched enthusiasm. This is the spirit of a vibrant nation.”

He underscored the cultural richness of Balochistan’s diverse communities—Baloch, Pashtun, Hazara, and others while condemning the actions of terrorist groups that violate tribal and societal values. “Targeting innocent women, children, and travelers is not just terrorism it’s a betrayal of our traditions,” he said.

Recalling a harrowing incident where a woman witnessed the brutal killing of her husband and son, CM Bugti challenged the false narratives that claim mercy was shown. “What kind of respect is that, when a woman watches her family gunned down before her eyes?”

He called for a united front against terrorism, urging Parliament to take the lead. “Religious scholars and all schools of thought must stand shoulder to shoulder with our security forces. This is a fight for the soul of our nation.”

Expressing optimism, Bugti said the end of terrorism in Balochistan is near. “We’ve seen dark times before and we’ve seen peace return. With the sacrifices of our forces and the resolve of our people, peace will prevail once again.”

CM Bugti congratulated Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai and the organizing team for a dignified event. He announced a cash prize of Rs 500,000 for the schoolchildren who performed during the celebration.

The CM also met with provincial ministers, legislators, religious leaders, and citizens from various walks of life, extending Independence Day greetings. He mingled with children, posed for photos, and shared in the joy of the occasion.

EU envoy takes ‘extra step’

European Union Ambassador Rina Kionka won hearts by playing Pakistan’s national anthem on a trumpet to mark country’s Independence Day.

Together with ambassadors of 20 other EU countries in Pakistan, she extends heartfelt wishes to Pakistan on its 79th Independence Day. “Together, we celebrate friendship and unity — because we are stronger together. “

🇪🇺 Ambassador @RKionka together with #TeamEurope in Pakistan, extends heartfelt wishes to 🇵🇰 on its 78th Independence Day.
Together, we celebrate friendship and unity — because we are stronger together.#EUinPakistan @eu_eeas @ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/oiB5oobigw

— EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) August 13, 2025

Km-long flag march

A large number of citizens carrying national flags staged a march in connection with Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq in Rawalpindi.

The kilometer-long march was started from Liaquat Bagh Murree Road to the Committee Chowk.

Reporters Tayyab Said, Ershad Qureshi, Anwer Iqbal