ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended a formal invitation to all political parties, including the opposition PTI, as well as stakeholders and civil society, to join the Charter of Pakistan’s Stability. He called this a decisive step to rise above political rivalries, personal agendas, and empty rhetoric.
Speaking at the main Independence Day ceremony combined with the commemoration of the Marka-e-Haq victory at Jinnah Sports Stadium, the prime minister said the Charter of Pakistan’s Stability was not just an economic recovery blueprint. Instead, it was a national framework designed to serve the wider interest of the country.
He stressed that the world must witness Pakistanis standing together, despite their differences, when the nation’s cause is at stake. President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony as the chief guest, joined by the chiefs of the three armed forces, senior national and foreign dignitaries, and thousands of citizens.
The prime minister declared that India’s arrogance had been crushed in only four days during the recent confrontation, a defeat its future generations would not forget. He described Pakistan’s nuclear strength as a necessary counterbalance to India’s nuclear capability.
PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to friendly nations — China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Iran — for backing Pakistan’s stance. He also thanked former US President Donald Trump for efforts towards a ceasefire, expressing hope for resolving the Kashmir issue according to UN resolutions.
Highlighting the cost of defending the nation, he said Pakistan had lost 90,000 lives and suffered over $150 billion in economic damage in the war against terrorism. He warned that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, vandalism, abuse, and rebellion against the state would never be tolerated.
Paying homage to the heroes of the Pakistan Movement, PM Shehbaz said their struggle was not just for independence but a validation of the two-nation theory. He noted inflation had dropped from 34% to 5% and the interest rate from 21% to 11%. The judiciary, he said, had helped recover over Rs100 billion, while Army Chief General Asim Munir had worked closely with the civilian government.
The PM reaffirmed unwavering support for the people of Palestine and Kashmir until their rights are secured. He also announced the creation of an Army Rocket Force Command, calling it a landmark in enhancing the country’s defence capabilities.
Earlier, the National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution honouring martyrs and vowing to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty at any cost.
Across the provinces, Independence Day celebrations were in full swing. In Punjab, rallies and public gatherings lit up cities like Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Jhang, and Narowal. Sindh hosted similar festivities in Sukkur, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Thatta, and Badin. In Balochistan, celebrations took place in Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Sibi, Bolan, Sohbatpur, Lehri, and Gwadar.
In KP, a special Independence Day event for minorities was held at the Mardan Commissioner’s Office, while Karak saw preparations at their peak. In Azad Kashmir, colourful programmes were held at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad, and a Martyrs’ Honour March was organised in Mirpur.
At Shakarparian Parade Ground, tanks, artillery, radars, aircraft, and other weapons used in the recent battle are on public display, drawing crowds of visitors.
