Pakistan marks 78th Independence Day, Victory in Marka-e-Haq with grand ceremony in Islamabad

A grand and dignified ceremony is underway at Islamabad’s Jinnah Ground to mark Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day and commemorate the nation’s victory in Marka-e-Haq.

The event is being attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir as guests of honour, alongside the country’s top civil and military leadership.

Also present are Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari, and Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb. Senior military officials, ambassadors from friendly nations, federal ministers, parliamentarians, and a large number of citizens have also gathered for the celebrations.

The proceedings began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem.

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A combined military band, representing the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force, performed an impressive march-past, joined by contingents from the Punjab Rangers and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Frontier Corps. Military units from Türkiye and Azerbaijan also took part, adding an international dimension to the celebrations.

As the national flag was brought in, attendees stood in respect while the colour guard executed a precision march-past.

President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other dignitaries saluted the flag.

The highlight of the event was a thrilling aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force, which drew loud chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” from the crowd. Parade Commander Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Umar Awan formally presented the parade to the President, with all contingents saluting the guests of honour.

ماشاءاللہ!

دس سال بعد اس دفعہ پتہ لگ رہا ہے کہ ایک زندہ قوم یوم آزادی منا رہی ہے۔

60 ہزار سے زائد لوگ تقریب میں پہنچے ہوئے ہیں pic.twitter.com/mXUkrJ9l2t

— Dr Farhan K Virk (@FarhanKVirk) August 13, 2025