Independence is not merely a word or a phrase; it is a great blessing. Those who fail to appreciate this blessing risk losing it to the dustbin of history. Free people remember the struggle and sacrifices that determined the direction of their collective lives. We understand the true value of freedom by looking at the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine.
Only those who have experienced slavery can truly understand the reality and importance of freedom. Its value is best understood by those who participated in the struggle for independence and sacrificed their loved ones for the cause. The Pakistan Armed Forces have made immense sacrifices since the country’s creation to defend and strengthen Pakistan. The Forces’ motto, “Iman, Taqwa and Jihad-fi-Sabilillah’ Faith, Taqwa, and Jihad in the Way of Allah reflects its stated commitment to serving and defending the country.
Pakistan’s Independence Day is just around the corner. On this day, the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent achieved an independent and self-respecting homeland in the form of Pakistan. Pakistan became a symbol of the separate identity and aspirations of the Muslims of the subcontinent. After the British took control of the region, Muslims gradually lost their political influence and were subjected to policies that left them socially, politically, and economically disadvantaged. The lives and services of the leaders of the Pakistan Movement and the freedom fighters provide us with a remarkable example of courage, commitment, and sacrifice. Their struggle reminds us that we cannot take our freedom for granted or forget the sacrifices made to achieve it.
Today, despite extremely difficult circumstances, Pakistan continues to move forward. It eventually became the first Muslim-majority country to acquire nuclear weapons and the seventh nuclear-armed state in the world. Pakistan has always relied on its own determination and resilience for its survival and development.
When it became difficult for hostile forces to destroy Pakistan from outside, efforts increasingly shifted toward creating internal instability and chaos. Today, Pakistan continues to face serious challenges, including terrorism, extremism and economic difficulties. We must renew our pledge that we will make every possible effort for the development and prosperity of Pakistan, will never allow the integrity and sovereignty of our beloved homeland to be compromised, and will stand with those who defend the country against terrorism and other threats.
The time has come to hold accountable those elements that deliberately undermine Pakistan’s stability, regardless of how uncomfortable that process may be for them or for their allies. Pakistan’s security forces continue to confront these threats and work to eliminate terrorism and restore peace. The Pakistan Armed Forces have made immense sacrifices since the country’s creation to defend and strengthen Pakistan. The services of the Pakistan Armed Forces in assisting and rehabilitating victims of natural disasters, as well as supporting national activities such as elections and censuses, are well known.
Its role in combating terrorism has also involved enormous sacrifices. In various parts of the country, including Karachi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, Pakistan’s security forces have conducted operations against terrorists and other violent groups.
After Pakistan successfully conducted nuclear tests in 1998, it established a strategic balance of power in South Asia. Since then, Pakistan has continued to face security challenges beyond conventional threats, including terrorism, extremism, and other forms of hybrid conflict. Pakistan’s armed forces have continued to confront these challenges while working alongside civilian institutions to maintain law and order and protect the country’s security.
Pakistan’s internal and external adversaries know that the Pakistani armed forces have a strong bond with the people of Pakistan, and that the people have great affection and respect for those who sacrifice their lives in the country’s defence. Attempts are continually made to create divisions between the people and the armed forces, but national unity remains the strongest answer to such efforts.
On this Independence Day, let us renew our pledge to Pakistan. Let us work sincerely for its progress, protect its sovereignty and integrity, promote unity among its people, and honour the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the country.