KARACHI/ ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s civilian and military leaders marked the country’s 79th Independence Day on Thursday by hailing what they described as a decisive victory against India in a brief military conflict earlier this year, using the anniversary to call for unity at home and reiterate support for disputed Kashmir.
The South Asian nation, which has fought three major wars with India since partition in 1947, said it had downed six Indian jets in fighting through missiles, drones and artillery that raged between May 6 and 10 before ending through US mediation. Officials have since framed the confrontation — which Islamabad has dubbed Marka-e-Haq, or “Battle of Truth” — as a moment of national resurgence.
Pakistan, carved out of British India in 1947, has seen repeated bouts of political turmoil, economic instability and tense relations with its neighbor in the decades since. This year’s Independence Day messages underscored how the May conflict has become a rallying point for its leaders to emphasize unity, resilience and renewed national confidence.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attends flag hoisting ceremony at Pakistan Monument, Islamabad on August 14, 2025. (GoP)
“Pakistan’s great victory in Marka-e-Haq during the war imposed by India on 6-10th May 2025 has not only increased the significance of freedom, but has also enliven a new ambition and enthusiasm in the hearts of Pakistanis, which has amplified the joy and celebrations of the Independence Day,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a statement.
“The military capability, valour and faith of our brave soldiers and air warriors forced the enemy to kneel down … With same passion, we stand vigilant to defend and safeguard our national interests including water resources.”
In a separate message, President Asif Ali Zardari also linked the country’s birth anniversary to the May conflict.
“Our success in Marka-e-Haq … is a landmark moment in our history,” he said, calling it “a demonstration of unshakable national will, professional excellence, and united purpose.”
Zardari added that “the world witnessed a nation that is peace-loving, but fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The president used his address to urge Pakistanis to channel “the same discipline, courage, and clarity” into economic revival and social reform, saying recent military success should inspire efforts to eradicate poverty and strengthen institutions.
Both leaders reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing stance on Kashmir, which is disputed between India and Pakistan since 1947.
“India also needs to demonstrate the same will for the resolution of all disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” Sharif said, while Zardari pledged diplomatic, moral, and political support to Kashmiris “until their right to self-determination is realized.”
In a joint message, the chiefs of Pakistan’s army, navy and air force stressed that the “unbreakable bond between the Armed Forces and the people is the cornerstone of our collective strength,” pledging to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and uphold the constitution.
