ISLAMABAD, Jul 8 (APP): Under the directions of the Prime Minister to celebrate this year’s Independence Day with full national spirit and renewed resolve, a preliminary meeting was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal.
Senior representatives from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of National Heritage & Culture, Ministry of Education & Professional Training, Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination and other departments participated in the meeting to discuss how to make the day truly reflective of the feelings, aspirations, and pride of the people of Pakistan, said a press release.
Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that this year’s Independence Day was being dedicated to the theme “Marqa-e-Haq”, the Battle for Truth to honor the courage, faith, and resolve of the nation. He said that the celebrations will send a clear message to the world that Pakistan stands proud, strong, and committed to its sovereignty.
He added that at the same time, the government aims to highlight the steady progress being made in economic recovery, defence resilience and international recognition of Pakistan’s leadership, economic recovery, and expertise showing that Pakistan’s journey is not just about survival but about rising to its full potential.
While discussing the activities of the celebrations, the minister stressed that every sector, every directed Chairman HEC and Secretary Education should ensure that all universities and schools should celebrate the day in the same format. The same was advised for provincial celebrations and celebrations abroad in collaboration with the Overseas Ministry.
A robust discussion took place where the committee members shared the planned activities and innovative ideas for celebrations at the federal and provincial level. Federal Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said that a comprehensive plan should be developed with budgets.
Speaking to the participants, Ahsan Iqbal said: “This year, we are not just commemorating another Independence Day, we are marking a moment of national revival. A moment that reflects the resilience of our people, the resolve of our state, and the rise of Pakistan as a global voice of strength, peace, and purpose. The world has seen that while Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, it will never compromise on its sovereignty. Our recent defense of our territorial integrity showed our maturity, strength, and our determination to protect regional stability without weakness.”
Ahsan Iqbal further maintained, “We must use this opportunity to honor the spirit of ‘Marqa-e-Haq’, a defining chapter in our history where our armed forces, our citizens, our government, and every institution stood together. We are also seeing concrete gains across the board: inflation is down, exports are growing, digitization is transforming governance, and innovation is thriving. This is the time to celebrate Pakistan across every field, including military, economic, cultural, and scientific and to tell our story to the world with pride and ambition.”
He emphasized that the celebrations must be unified, one voice, one pride from every district, every province, and every corner of the globe where Pakistanis live, so the world hears the unmistakable confidence of one nation standing tall.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, addressing the meeting, said: “The nation stands as one united, unshaken, and ready to defeat any designs against it. Our civil and military forces are shoulder to shoulder. These celebrations will reiterate to the world what they are already telling us that we are united and strong,”
Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Ataullah Tarar, shared that extensive plans were underway with song competitions, special programming and a documentary. He assured that the celebrations will be reflective of the achievements of the country and celebrate the global acclaim the country is receiving.
Federal Minister for Federal Education & Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, said: “Our schools and students are full of passion and excitement to celebrate the day with different activities like debates, essay competitions, painting competitions and many other exciting initiatives.”
During the meeting, participants shared a range of proposals to ensure that the celebrations reflect the hearts of ordinary Pakistanis and involve everyone — from the cities to the villages, from students to artists, and from businesses to the diaspora. Plans were discussed for national songs, heartfelt dramas, poetry gatherings, documentaries, cultural fairs, public events, school competitions, and global embassy activities, all designed to inspire the nation and tell its story to the world.