Pakistan marked its 79th Independence Day on Aug. 14 with fireworks, flag-raising ceremonies and public gatherings across the country. The country’s civilian and military leadership also called for national unity, economic reforms and continued efforts to maintain regional peace.
In Islamabad, crowds gathered along major roads at midnight. Fireworks lit up the sky as people waved national flags and chanted “Long Live Pakistan.”
Women and children also joined the celebrations. Many people wore green and white as they gathered in public spaces across the capital.
اسلام آباد میں یادگار فتح کا شاندار افتتاح
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) August 13, 2026
تقریب میں آتش بازی کا شاندار مظاہرہ کیاگیا#FreedomWithPride2026 pic.twitter.com/Q2m1Rr1dn7
The celebrations followed the inauguration of the Yadgar-e-Fatah, or Monument of Victory, in Islamabad on Thursday night. The monument commemorates Marka-e-Haq or Pakistan’s victory over India in a brief military conflict in May 2025.
Independence Day ceremonies held across Pakistan
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad. A 21-gun salute was held at provincial headquarters. A change-of-guards ceremony was also held at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi.
Flag-raising ceremonies took place at the Supreme Court and Federal Constitutional Court in Islamabad. Other official events were also held across the country.
Pakistan became independent on Aug. 14, 1947, following the end of British colonial rule and the partition of the Indian subcontinent.
Fireworks to celebrate Independence Day
Fireworks lit up the skies over several major cities as Pakistan entered its 79th Independence Day. In Islamabad, crowds gathered along major roads and public spaces at midnight. Fireworks were also reported in other cities as people gathered to mark the occasion, waving national flags and chanting “Long Live Pakistan.”
Women and children joined the celebrations, with many people dressed in green and white. The midnight gatherings were followed by official ceremonies and flag-raising events across the country.
In Lahore, fireworks light the sky over the Minar-e-Pakistan monument marking Independence Day. Liberty Chowk, The Mall and Jail Road have been decorated with vibrant lights in the green and white of the national flag, giving the city a festive look.
Thousands of people also gathered in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi to celebrate the country’s 79th anniversary of independence
Yadgar-e-Fatah monument
The Yadgar-e-Fatah monument was inaugurated by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Thursday night. Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also attended. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf were present as well.
Foreign diplomats, military attaches, officers from the three services and other senior officials attended the ceremony. A military band played the national anthem.
President calls for reforms and regional stability
In his Independence Day message, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the leaders of the Pakistan Movement. He also honored those who sacrificed their homes, security and livelihoods during the struggle for independence.
“But independence is not only a historic achievement. It is also a responsibility that each generation must carry forward. The Pakistan that was created through the democratic will of its people must continue to grow stronger, more secure and more prosperous. Our task is not only to remember what earlier generations achieved, but to add to it through our own work,” he said.
Zardari said Pakistan’s experience during the past year had demonstrated its ability to defend its sovereignty while maintaining a stated commitment to peace.
“The events surrounding Marka-e-Haq demonstrated that Pakistan seeks peace, but also possesses the resolve and capacity to defend its sovereignty and national interests. The lesson of strength is ultimately a lesson of responsibility. A country that can defend itself must also use its strength to prevent conflict, protect peace and serve the interests of its people,” he said.
قوم ملک سلطنت۔۔۔ پاکستان کی کہانی۔ جو مکمل نہیں ہے کیونکہ ابھی اس کی اگلی منزلیں، اتحاد اجتماعی قوت اور ترقی کے سفر باقی ہیں۔ شاندار دستاویزی فلم قوم ملک سلطنت ایک ایسی کہانی جو جاری و ساری ہے۔#FreedomWithPride2026 pic.twitter.com/iOJuwbxVJt
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) August 13, 2026
The president also emphasized the connection between Pakistan’s security and regional stability. “Our security is linked to the peace and stability of our neighbourhood and the world at large. Pakistan will continue to support efforts that reduce tensions, protect regional stability and create conditions for cooperation,” he said.
Zardari said Pakistan needed to focus on economic growth, education, skills development and institutional reforms. “We must strengthen our economy, create greater opportunities for our young people, improve education and skills, strengthen institutions through a series of governance, economic and social reforms to ensure that the benefits of development and democracy reach every part and community of the country,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of young people in Pakistan’s future. “Our responsibility is to give them the education, skills and opportunities they need to realise their potential. By investing in our youth today, we are investing in Pakistan’s future,” he said.
Zardari said national progress should improve the daily lives of ordinary Pakistanis. He pointed to employment, education, healthcare and greater economic confidence as key measures.
PM Shehbaz Sharif highlights economy and national interests
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to Pakistan’s founding leaders. He said the country owed its independence to their vision, statesmanship and sacrifices.
Sharif highlighted what he described as economic progress over the past two-and-a-half years. He said remittances from overseas Pakistanis had increased by $11.3 billion over the past two years. He described the increase as a reflection of confidence in government policies.
The prime minister identified information technology as a government priority. He also highlighted innovation in industry and agriculture, employment creation, and education and skills development.
Sharif praised the armed forces for their role during Marka-e-Haq. He said Pakistan remained committed to defending its national interests.
He specifically mentioned Pakistan’s right to its water resources. “Every drop of water is our red line,” Sharif said. He was referring to Pakistan’s concerns over water supplies following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the May 2025 conflict.
Sharif said Pakistan wanted peace. He warned that its desire for peace should not be interpreted as weakness. He also said Pakistan would continue to act as a responsible state. He said the country would support regional and global peace.
The prime minister cited the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. He described it as evidence of Pakistan’s growing strategic role in the region.
Sharif also expressed solidarity with Palestinians and the people of occupied Kashmir. He said lasting peace in South Asia required a diplomatic resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He said this should be based on United Nations resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also marked Independence Day by recalling Marka-e-Haq. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s position on sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We commemorated the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, recalling Pakistan’s resolute and successful response to Indian aggression in 2025,” Dar said in a televised address.
“The occasion reaffirmed our determination to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity while remaining firmly committed to international law, responsible state craft and the pursuit of regional peace.”
Military leadership calls for unity
Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu issued a joint message through Inter-Services Public Relations.
The armed forces paid tribute to Jinnah and those whose sacrifices contributed to the creation of Pakistan.
“The armed forces of Pakistan respectfully acknowledge the supreme sacrifices of our martyrs, the services of our veterans, the dedication of law enforcement personnel and the contributions of every Pakistani who has served the nation. Their courage and selfless service have bolstered Pakistan’s resilience and safeguarded its independence, security and national interests,” the statement said.
The military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution. The leadership said the armed forces would continue to support peace and stability.
“Pakistan’s strength lies in the unity and collective resolve of its people. On this Independence Day, let us renew our commitment to the enduring principles of faith, unity and discipline, strengthen national cohesion, promote tolerance and work together towards a secure, stable and prosperous Pakistan,” the statement said.