Pakistan marks 80th Independence Day with unity, peace and security call

Islamabad,UPDATED: Aug 14, 2026 15:50 IST

Pakistan's top civil and military leadership on Friday called for national unity, peace and economic progress as the country marked its 80th Independence Day, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif using the occasion to stress both peace and national security.

Alongside official ceremonies and public celebrations across the country, the leadership also referred to last year's conflict with India, the Indus Waters Treaty, regional security concerns and Pakistan's internal challenges, including recent terror attacks and protests.

In his Independence Day message, Sharif said Pakistan wanted peace but would not allow that to be seen as weakness. "We do not want war; we want peace. But the desire for peace should not be taken as weakness," he said.

Recalling last year's four-day conflict with India, Sharif said Pakistan remained committed to defending its national interests, including its right to water resources, and said it would continue to act as a responsible nation and a stabilising force for regional and global peace.

On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. India and Pakistan reached an understanding to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.

Sharif also accused India of "unilaterally and illegally suspending" the Indus Waters Treaty. "I declare in clear words that every single drop of Pakistan's water is our red line," he said. New Delhi had suspended the treaty last year as one of the punitive measures against Islamabad after the Pahalgam terror attack.

The prime minister also raised the Kashmir issue and urged the Afghan leadership to prevent the use of Afghanistan's soil for terrorism against Pakistan. He highlighted the trilateral defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, calling it a sign of Pakistan's growing role in the region.

Sharif also thanked US President Donald Trump for his role in "securing a ceasefire" between Pakistan and India last year, though India has categorically denied any third-party mediation.

In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari praised Pakistan's armed forces and said that under Field Marshal Asim Munir's leadership, they had given a "befitting answer to India" during last year's conflict. Pakistan also inaugurated a monument to commemorate the conflict.

On the occasion, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also called for national unity, peace and economic progress. In a statement, the army said that, as guardians of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the armed forces "reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland against all threats, uphold the Constitution and discharge the sacred trust reposed in them by the people of Pakistan".

Pakistan has seen dozens of terror attacks in recent months in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It has also witnessed large-scale deadly protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan have been demanding his release from jail.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute at provincial headquarters, followed by flag-hoisting ceremonies at the federal, provincial, divisional and district headquarters across the country. Buildings, streets, markets and public places were decorated with national flags and colourful lights, giving towns and cities a festive look.

As Pakistan observed its 80th Independence Day with official ceremonies and public celebrations, its leaders used the occasion to underline calls for unity, peace and economic progress, while also linking the day to national security, regional diplomacy and the country's internal challenges.

With PTI Inputs

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