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Civil, MiliTAry leAders urGe uniTy, jusTiCe And resilienCe As PAKisTAn MArKs 78Th i-dAy Friday, 15 August, 2025 | 20 Safar, 1447
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PRESIDENT AND PM SAY THE DAY SERVED AS A REMINDER OF COURAGE, UNITY, AND SACRIFICES THAT LED TO CREATION OF PAKISTAN
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PAY HOMAGE TO FOUNDING FATHER QUAID-I-AZAM, ALLAMA IQBAL AND LEADERS, WORKERS OF PAKISTAN MOVEMENT FOR THEIR STRUGGLE AND SACRIFICES
SAY THE UNBREAKABLE BOND BETWEEN ARMED FORCES AND PEOPLE IS THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH
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ISLAMABAD
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SERVICES CHIEFS REAFFIRM UNWAVERING RESOLVE TO SAFEGUARD PAKISTAN’S SOVEREIGNTY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, UPHOLD CONSTITUTION
Trust of people remains armed forces’ greatest asset: Field Marshal Munir RAWALPINDI
staff report
held at the Pakistan Monument in the federal capital, where PM Shehbaz unfurled the national flag. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, cabinet members, parliamentarians and school students were present on the occasion, according to Radio Pakistan. A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at the Supreme Court, where Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi unfurled the national flag. In his message on the occasion, President Zardari emphasised that the nation had “reaffirmed its strength, resolve, and unity in the face of external aggression”. “Our suc-
Trilateral meeting of Pak-China-Afghanistan FMs likely in Kabul on August 20 ISLAMABAD
staff report
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China will meet in Kabul on August 20 for trilateral talks, sources told Geo News on Thursday. The meeting will bring together Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The sources said the agenda will include discussions on counterterrorism efforts and the expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Earlier this month, Afghanistan’s Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was scheduled to visit Pakistan on August 5. However, both countries later issued statements citing “technical” reasons for the cancellation. It has since emerged that the UN Security Council did not grant permission for the visit, as Muttaqi remains on the UN-designated list of Taliban members. Following the Kabul meeting, the Chinese foreign minister is expected to travel to Pakistan the next day, the sources said.
GB residents sick in hundreds with water borne diseases following severe flood-induced water crisis GILGIT
News Desk
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LEADERS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES ALSO FELICITATE PAKISTAN ON ITS INDEPENDENCE DAY, INCLUDING US, RUSSIA AND CHINA, HAIL THE COUNTRY’S ‘SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN MANY AREAS’
staff report
RESIDENT Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military leadership on Thursday called for rising beyond divisions and standing united for a Pakistan that is built on justice, equality, and service to all, as the nation celebrated the country’s 78th Independence Day with zeal and fervor. The military top brass congratulated the nation on Independence Day, reaffirming the armed forces commitment to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and unity at all costs. The President and the prime minister said the day served as a reminder of courage, unity, and sacrifices that led to the creation of Pakistan and paid homage to founding father Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the workers of the Pakistan Movement for their struggle and sacrifices. The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes at the provincial headquarters, Radio Pakistan reported. Special prayers were offered in mosques for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country. Various renowned buildings across the country have also been decorated with the national flag and lights as the nation celebrates Independence Day with fervour. The main flag hosting ceremony was
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A growing water crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has led to a surge in water-borne diseases, with hundreds of residents falling victim to illnesses like cholera, diarrhoea, and pneumonia. The region’s water supply has been heavily impacted by the recent floods, triggering a public health emergency. In the wake of devastating climate-induced disasters, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF), communities in Diamer, Shigar, Skardu, Astore, and Gilgit are being treated at local hospitals daily for water-related illnesses, according to government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq. Tragically, young children under five have been particularly vulnerable, with many cases of severe diarrhoea and pneumonia reported. The recent floods in Danyor city, which hit on July 21, have left thousands of people without access to clean drinking water. In the absence of spring water, residents have had to rely on unfiltered tanker water, which has been a significant contributor to the rise in stomach diseases. Dr Muhammad Iqbal, a local clinic operator, confirmed that the number of water-borne disease cases is significantly higher than other types of health issues. Local volunteers have been doing their best to assist stranded residents, helping them navigate temporary bridge crossings while the region’s infrastructure is restored. However, the scarcity of clean water and the overwhelming number of patients have put considerable pressure on the healthcare system, with many private clinics extending their hours well into the night to accommodate patients.
cess in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos is a landmark moment in our history,” he said. “It was a demonstration of unshakable national will, professional excellence, and united purpose.” President Zardari noted that “faced with unjustified Indian aggression, Pakistan responded with clarity, courage and restraint. “The world witnessed a nation that is peace-loving, but fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” “Today, the world sees Pakistan as a country that seeks peace but does not bow to coercion. “But this moment is about more than military success. It is a reminder of
Field Marshal Asim Munir extended heartfelt Independence Day greetings to the nation, underscoring the importance of unity and reaffirming the Pakistan Army’s unwavering readiness to defend the country’s sovereignty. In his message on the 78th Independence Day, the army chief stressed that the trust of the people remains the armed forces’ greatest asset. “The Pakistan Army is fully prepared to counter any threat. We will never compromise on our independence and sovereignty,” Asim Munir asserted, pledging a decisive response to any challenge to national integrity. Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s founders, Field Marshal Munir described Pakistan as a resilient fortress of the Muslim world and a beacon
what we can achieve when we are united, focused, and committed to a common goal,” the president said. He asserted that this victory gave the people of Pakistan a sense of renewed confidence. It has lifted the morale
of interfaith harmony, acknowledging the valuable contributions of minority communities to national development. Highlighting the toll of the fight against terrorism, he noted Pakistan’s heavy human and financial sacrifices and reiterated the country’s stance condemning the Pulwama incident while calling for impartial international investigations. Field Marshal Asim Munir accused India of aggression and civilian targeting, citing the recent “Markae-Haq” operation as a testament to the bravery and determination of Pakistan’s forces. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and prosperity. Expressing steadfast support for the people of occupied Kashmir, he reiterated that the right to self-determination is the only just solution. He also voiced solidarity with Palestinians, urging the international community to safeguard their rights without delay.
of the people, restored faith in our institutions, and enhanced Pakistan’s stature on the global stage, he added.
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PM announces establishment of Army Rocket Force to further boost combat capabilities ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the establishment of Army Rocket Force during his address at an event held here to mark the 78th Independence Day and the ‘Marka-e-Haq’ commemoration. The prime minister said the force will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, which will further strengthen Pakistan’s conventional military capabilities. He emphasized that the recent military conflict with India concluded with a decisive Pakistan’s victory within 3 to 4 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. “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 postwar 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, Türkiye, 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 program 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 the 78th Independence Day, the prime minister paid tribute to Father of the Nation, Quaid-iAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the Thinker of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who along with other leaders 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 agreement with the US. Additionally, the prime minister said the overseas Pakistanis were playing an important role in the development of Pakistan, and they sent a record $38.3 billion during the fiscal year 2024-25. The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent support for the op-
pressed 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.
ing applause for their sacrifice. President conferred Hilal-i-Juraat on Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sindhu, Nishan-i-Imtiaz on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Law & Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Interior & Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan lqbal Chaudry, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, MNA, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Advisor to Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs and Inter Provincial Coordination, Rana Sana Ullah Khan. The president also conferred Nishan-iImtiaz upon Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his successfully diplomatic engagement post Marka-e-Haq that exposed India’s false and concocted narrative during the war. Hilal-i-Imtiaz was conferred on Senior Defence Analyst, Lt. Gen (R) Muhammad Saeed, SAPM on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi,
Minister for Climate Change and Environment Coordination, Musadik Masood Malik, Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson, National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, Ambassador at Large on Economic Diplomacy, Umar Farooq, Former Federal Minister, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, Senator, Faisal Ali Sabzwari, Senator, Bushra Anjum, For-
mer Foreign Secretary, Amb (R) Jalil Abbas Jilani, Former Foreign Secretary, Amb Tehmina Janjua, Attorney General of Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, DG (I.B.), Fuad Asadullah Khan, Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah.
President confers civil, military awards to recognize contributions during Marka-e-Haq ISLAMABAD
staff report
President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday conferred prestigious national awards to federal ministers, civil servants, armed forces personnel, journalists, and other civilians, in recognition of their extraordinary valor, courage, and respective contributions during the Marka-e-Haq Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. The civil and military awards were conferred at a special investiture ceremony, held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on the occasion of the Independence Day. The ceremony commenced with the national anthem and a recitation from the Holy Quran. The president, accompanied by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, was warmly welcomed at the venue by a smartly turned-out contingent of the President’s Bodyguard. The highlight of the investiture ceremony was the special standing ovation of the attendees to the families of the martyrs, injured soldiers and widows of the martyrs who received the awards in lieu of the martyred soldiers. The federal cabinet members, members of the parliament, civil and military officers and members of the civil society rose in their seats and rendered resound-
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