PM Shehbaz felicitates nation on 79th Independence Day, reaffirms commitment to Kashmir, Palestine cause

ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has extended his warmest greetings to the nation on the occasion of Independence Day, as Pakistan marked the completion of 79 years of freedom.

In his message on Independence Day, the prime minister paid tribute to the founding leaders of Pakistan, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Allama Muhammad Iqbal, along with other stalwarts of the Pakistan Movement, saying the nation owed the fulfilment of its dream of an independent homeland to their vision, statesmanship and sacrifices.

The prime minister said Pakistan, guided by Islamic teachings and the vision of the Quaid, guaranteed equal freedom to all citizens without discrimination, adding that the Constitution and laws of the country ensured the fundamental rights of every citizen.

Highlighting the government’s economic achievements over the past two-and-a-half years, PM Shehbaz said the country had successfully navigated challenging circumstances to achieve economic stability and was now moving towards becoming a developed economy. He noted that remittances from overseas Pakistanis had increased by US$ 11.3 billion over the past two years, which he termed a reflection of their confidence in government policies.

The prime minister said harnessing modern information technology, promoting innovation-driven industrial and agricultural development, creating employment opportunities and establishing a world-class education and skills system remained among the government’s top priorities.

Paying tribute to the armed forces, the prime minister said the military, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, had demonstrated exemplary unity and courage during “Marka-e-Haq,” adding another chapter to the country’s history of defence.

He said Pakistan remained committed to defending its national interests, including its right to water resources, and reiterated that the country would continue to play its role as a responsible nation and a stabilising force for regional and global peace. He cited the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as testimony to the country’s growing strategic role in the region.

Reiterating Pakistan’s principled position on the Kashmir dispute, the prime minister expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Palestinian people. He said lasting peace in South Asia was contingent upon a diplomatic resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies who sacrificed their lives for the country, and called upon all segments of society, particularly political parties, to work together for national unity, integrity and the advancement of national interests.

He concluded his message by praying for Pakistan’s continued progress and dignity in the comity of nations.