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ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan marked its 79th Independence Day on Friday, the country’s civilian and military leadership delivered a common message: the sacrifices that created Pakistan must now be matched by unity, institutional reform, economic progress and opportunities for its people. Independence Day celebrations began across the country with traditional ceremonies. A 31-gun salute was held in Islamabad, while 21-gun salutes were fired at provincial headquarters. At the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, a change-of-guards ceremony was also held to honour the founder of Pakistan. The messages issued by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the armed forces focused not only on Pakistan’s past but also on the challenges shaping its future. Zardari urges reforms and investment in youth In his Independence Day message, President Zardari paid tribute to the leaders of the Pakistan Movement and millions who made sacrifices for an independent homeland. He described independence as more than a historic achievement, saying each generation had a responsibility to strengthen the country and build on the work of those who came before. Reflecting on the country’s security challenges, the president said the events surrounding last year’s Marka-i-Haq had demonstrated Pakistan’s desire for peace as well as its determination to defend its sovereignty and national interests. He also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, police and law enforcement agencies who had lost their lives while protecting the country. The president stressed that Pakistan’s security was closely connected with peace in the region. He said the country would continue using diplomatic channels to encourage dialogue, reduce tensions and support regional stability. But the strongest part of his message centred on domestic development. Zardari called for economic, social and governance reforms, better education, stronger skills development and greater opportunities for young people. He said Pakistan’s youth represented the country’s greatest strength and that investment in their education and abilities would ultimately determine the nation’s future. For ordinary citizens, he noted, national progress should be visible in everyday life — through better education and healthcare, employment opportunities and greater economic security for families, farmers, workers and businesses. PM Shehbaz highlights economic progress Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also called for national unity while highlighting what he described as economic achievements made during the past two-and-a-half years. He said Pakistan had navigated difficult circumstances and moved towards economic stability, while remittances from overseas Pakistanis had risen by $11.3 billion over two years. The prime minister identified information technology, innovation, industrial and agricultural development, employment creation, education and skills training as key priorities for the government. He also praised the armed forces for their role during Marka-i-Haq and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending its national interests, including its water resources. Shehbaz pointed to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye as evidence of Pakistan’s growing strategic importance. He also reiterated Islamabad’s support for the people of occupied Kashmir and Palestine, while calling for diplomatic solutions to regional disputes. Military leadership calls for unity Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also issued Independence Day messages. According to ISPR, the armed forces paid tribute to Jinnah, the country’s martyrs, veterans, law enforcement personnel and citizens who had served Pakistan. The military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholding the Constitution and protecting national interests. The message also stressed that Pakistan’s real strength lay in the unity and collective determination of its people. As the green and white flags filled streets, buildings and homes across the country, the leadership’s messages offered a reminder that Independence Day is not only about remembering 1947. It is also about asking what Pakistan can become in the years ahead — a country where security is matched by stability, economic growth by opportunity, and national strength by better lives for its people. The shared call from the leadership was clear: unity, discipline and meaningful reform must turn the promise of independence into progress for every Pakistani.