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Pakistan is celebrating 79 years of independence with nationwide festivities and a renewed commitment to the ideals of the Pakistan Movement, while marking its claimed victory over India in last year's conflict.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered at mosques across the country for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country.
On the eve of the country's 79th Independence Day, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir jointly inaugurated the Yadgar-e-Fatah monument in Islamabad.
The monument commemorates Pakistan's victory over India during the May 2025 conflict. On May 6-7, India — after levelling what Pakistan described as baseless and unfounded allegations against Pakistan over an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir — launched strikes against Pakistan, which were met with a forceful response.
The more than 80-hour conflict ended on May 10 following US intervention. During the fighting, Pakistan said it had shot down multiple Indian fighter jets and drones, while the conflict also bolstered the country's image as a "net security stabiliser".
Pakistan said it had downed eight Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafale aircraft, as well as dozens of drones during the conflict.
Independence Day celebrations reflect the country's rich cultural heritage, national spirit and remarkable journey since independence.
The day will dawn with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters.
Special prayers will be offered at mosques after Fajr prayers for the country's peace, solidarity and prosperity.
President Zardari will hoist the national flag at a special ceremony in the federal capital.
Similar flag-hoisting ceremonies will also be held at provincial, divisional and district headquarters across the country.
Buildings, streets, markets and public places have been decorated with national flags, buntings and colourful lights, giving towns and cities a festive look.
A wide range of programmes, including seminars, exhibitions, cultural events and other activities, have been organised to commemorate Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervour and highlight the sacrifices of the nation's forefathers.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has released a national song, "Mera Pyara Watan Pakistan", on the occasion of Independence Day. The lyrics reflect deep love for the motherland and national unity.
Independence Day is also being observed with zeal and zest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The day will dawn with a 21-gun salute in the state capital, Muzaffarabad, followed by special prayers after Fajr for peace, solidarity and prosperity in the country and the early liberation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies will be held in all districts of AJK. The AJK prime minister will lay a floral wreath at the Shuhada monument.
