Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing a grand ceremony at Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Stadium on Wednesday to commemorate Pakistan’s 78th Independence Anniversary and Marka-e-Haq, announced the establishment of a new Army Rocket Force Command aimed at enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.
On this occasion, he renewed his call for national unity by urging political parties and civil society to join hands for the "Misaq-e-Istehkam-e-Pakistan" (Charter for Pakistan’s Stability), promoting collective advancement.
“The time has come for us to move beyond political division, personal interest and empty slogans to adopt collective thinking for Pakistan. On this great day today, I once again, with an open heart, invite all political parties, stakeholders and civil society to become part of Misaq-e-Istehkam-e-Pakistan,” the prime minister said in his address.
The event was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, various federal and state ministers, as well as foreign diplomats.
PM Shehbaz explained that the newly formed Rocket Force Command would be equipped with cutting-edge technology to further enhance the country's conventional warfare abilities.
He referred to the recent military confrontation with India, asserting that it ended in Pakistan’s favor within a short span.
The premier praised the leadership and coordinated efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad, and the Air Chief in swiftly countering Indian aggression.
“India forgot that wars are not won with weapons alone, but with the spirit of the nation,” he remarked, adding that the defeat had delivered India a lesson it would not forget.
PM Shehbaz called the period following the conflict a turning point in national history, describing it as the emergence of a new Pakistan. He referred to Field Marshal Asim Munir as a true son of the nation whose strategy led to a swift and decisive victory.
He also expressed gratitude towards Pakistan’s allies including China, Turkiye, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Qatar for their support during the conflict, and acknowledged former U.S. President Donald Trump and his team for facilitating the ceasefire.
Paying tribute to Pakistan’s nuclear legacy, PM Shehbaz remembered Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, alongside political leaders, scientists, and the military who were instrumental in making Pakistan the world’s seventh nuclear power.
He also lauded former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his firm stance in 1998, when he resisted international pressure and made the bold decision to conduct nuclear tests.
“Our nuclear arsenal is not for aggression. It is only for defence purposes,” the premier stressed.
Extending congratulations to the nation on its 78th year of independence, he honored the sacrifices and vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal, crediting them and the workers of the independence movement for uniting the country under a shared goal.
Turning to the economy, the prime minister noted that inflation had dropped significantly from 34% to 5%, interest rates had been reduced from 21% to 11%, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange was reaching new heights. He attributed these positive developments to effective governance and policy decisions.
He appreciated the efforts of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and COAS Asim Munir in concluding a vital tariff agreement with the United States (US).
PM Shehbaz also highlighted the contribution of overseas Pakistanis, stating that they had sent a record $38.3 billion during the 2024–25 fiscal year.
On the international front, the premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the oppressed populations of Gaza and Indian-Occupied Kashmir. He vowed to continue advocating for an independent Palestinian state and the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister called upon political parties and all segments of society to stand united in defense of the nation’s interests, particularly in light of recent economic and military achievements.
He reminded the audience of the immense sacrifices Pakistan had made in the fight against terrorism, amounting to thousands of lives lost and over $150 billion in economic losses. He firmly stated that the country would no longer tolerate any further disorder.
PM Shehbaz cautioned against internal unrest disguised as protest, noting that while peaceful demonstration is a democratic right, any form of lawlessness would not be permitted.
Encouraging the youth to emulate the dedication of those who led the Pakistan Movement, the prime minister said the government had launched over a dozen initiatives aimed at empowering and uplifting the younger generation.
“This is just the beginning. We have to work hard to take Pakistan to new heights,” PM Shehbaz concluded.