ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announcing the formation of a new Army Rocket Force Command to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities, reiterated his call for national unity, urging political parties and civil society to join for Misaq-e-Istehkam-e-Pakistan (Charter for Pakistan’s Stability) to foster collective progress.
“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-e-Istehkam-e-Pakistan.” the prime minister said addressing a grand ceremony held here at Jinnah Sports Stadium to celebrate Pakistan’s 78th Independence Anniversary and Marka-e-Haq.
The vent was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, federal and state ministers and diplomats.
The prime minister told the gathering that the new Rocket Force Command would be equipped with state-of-the-art technology which would further strengthen Pakistan’s conventional warfare capabilities.
He emphasized that the recent military conflict with India concluded with a decisive Pakistan’s victory within three to four days. He praised the leadership of Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad, and the Air Chief for their coordinated and swift response to Indian aggression.
“India forgot that wars are not won with weapons alone, but with the spirit of the nation,” he said, adding that the defeat taught India a lesson it will never forget.
The prime minister hailed the post-war period as the birth of a new Pakistan, and called Field Marshal General Asim Munir a son of the nation, whose strategy led to a decisive military victory.
He also extended gratitude to friendly countries including China, Turkiye, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, UAE, and Qatar for their support during the conflict. He also acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump and his team for playing a key role in ensuring a ceasefire.
Shehbaz Sharif also paid homage to pioneer of Pakistan’s atomic programme Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan along with other politicians, scientists, and the armed forces for making Pakistan the 7th world atomic power. He also commended former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for resisting international pressure in 1998 and taking the brave decision to make Pakistan the world’s 7th nuclear power.
“Our nuclear arsenal is not for aggression. It is only for defence purposes,” the prime minister emphasized.
Felicitating the nation on 78th Independence Anniversary, the prime minister paid tribute to Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who along with other leaders of and workers of the Pakistan Independence Movement united the nation under one vision, one mission and one goal.
Highlighting the country’s economic progress, the prime minister stated that inflation had fallen from 34% to 5%, and interest rates dropped from 21% to 11%, while the stock exchange was performing at record levels. He credited these improvements to sound government policies.
He also commended Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Army Chief Asim Munir for finalizing a crucial tariff agreements with the U.S.
Additionally, the prime minister said the overseas Pakistanis were playing important role in the development of Pakistan and they sent record $38.3 billion during the fiscal year 2024-25.
The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent support for the oppressed people of Gaza and Indian-Occupied Kashmir, vowing to continue advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state and the rights of Kashmiris.
Shehbaz Sharif urged all political parties and sectors of society to unite in safeguarding national interests, especially in the aftermath of the economic and military gains.
He said Pakistan had rendered huge losses of thousands of precious lives and over $150 billion in war against terrorism. He warned that no further chaos will be tolerated in any case. He also warned against internal chaos under the pretext of protest, stating that while peaceful dissent was a democratic right, lawlessness will not be tolerated.
He also encouraged the youth to follow in the footsteps of those who led the Pakistan Movement and take active roles in the country’s development. The government, he said , had launched over a dozen projects for youth welfare and empowerment.
“This is just the beginning. We have to work hard to take Pakistan to new heights,” the prime minister added.