PM Shehbaz waves olive branch with ‘charter for stability’ | The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday renewed his call for national unity and invited all political parties, stakeholders and civil society to join Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan, as the nation marked its 78th Independence Day alongside celebrations for the Marka-e-Haq victory.

Addressing a grand ceremony in the federal capital, the prime minister announced the creation of the Army Rocket Force to strengthen the country’s combat capabilities.

He also inaugurated the symbolic Bunyanum Marsous memorial.

The special event, held at Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Stadium, brought together the country’s top civil and military leadership, foreign dignitaries, and thousands of citizens.

The high-profile gathering was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, federal and state ministers, members of parliament, and ambassadors from friendly countries.

Addressing the audience, Shehbaz said the moment had come to move beyond political division, personal interests, and “empty slogans” and instead adopt a collective mindset to secure the country’s future.

“On this great day, I once again, with an open heart, invite all political parties, stakeholders, and civil society to become part of Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan [Charter for Stability of Pakistan],” the prime minister stated.

Shehbaz explained that the proposed charter was not merely a plan to revive the economy but the foundation for a broad-based national agenda. “We must show the world that differences have their own place, but for the sake of our beloved Pakistan, we stand united,” he stressed.

He warned that Pakistan would not give space to any new “fitna” [mischief] after decades of sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. “Protest is a right, but not vandalism; criticism is a right, but not abuse; politics is a right, but not rebellion against the state. We will not allow such elements to take root,” he asserted.

In his speech, the prime minister paid homage to the nation’s founding fathers and ideologues whose leadership and struggle “changed history and geography,” and to the martyrs whose sacrifices shaped the country’s destiny.

He hailed the armed forces for their “historic” performance during the four-day military confrontation with India in May, describing it as a moment when Pakistan’s soldiers “taught India a lesson it will remember for eternity.”

Shehbaz praised Field Marshal Asim Munir as a “great son of the nation” who devised a strategy against India’s “war hysteria” that won acknowledgement from friends and foes alike.

He recounted how India attacked on the basis of falsehoods, confident in its military strength, but was swiftly humbled. “Within four days, India’s pride was buried in the dust,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s forces fought “like a wall of steel”.

The prime minister also commended the service chiefs —Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Sahid Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf —for their leadership.

Defence boost

Marking the occasion, the prime minister announced the creation of the Army Rocket Force, equipped with advanced technology and intended to serve as a “milestone” in strengthening the country’s combat capabilities.

He emphasised that Pakistan’s nuclear capability was not for aggression but to maintain strategic balance with India. “We are the only nuclear-armed Islamic country, and the Muslim Ummah looks to us with hope,” he said, paying tribute to the nation’s nuclear scientists and armed forces.

Shehbaz lauded the role of friendly nations in supporting Pakistan’s position during Marka-e-Haq, naming China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iran. “The nation thanks them all for standing with us on the global stage,” he said.

He also thanked US President Donald Trump for helping to broker a ceasefire, expressing hope that Trump would play a role in resolving the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations resolutions.

The prime minister urged the public to remember those still under occupation, pointing to the plight of the people of Gaza and Kashmir. “Pakistan has always stood by its principle and with unwavering commitment alongside the oppressed,” he said.

“The Palestinian issue has become a test of humanity’s conscience. We will continue moral, diplomatic, and political support until our brothers and sisters in Kashmir and Palestine receive their rights.”

Vision for future

Shehbaz said that after taking office, his government had stabilised a fragile economy and averted default. He pointed to record highs in the stock market and a reduction in interest rates as signs of gradual recovery.

He credited these gains to correct political and military decisions, adding that international institutions had begun recognising Pakistan’s entry into “a new economic era.” He acknowledged the cooperation of Field Marshal Asim Munir in formulating both the National Action Plan and the National Finance Plan.

The prime minister also thanked the chief justice of Pakistan for court decisions that resulted in the recovery of Rs100 billion and praised overseas Pakistanis for sending a record $38.3 billion in remittances this year, calling them “the country’s great ambassadors abroad.”

Addressing the younger generation, Shehbaz reminded them that it was the youth who had been the foot soldiers of the independence movement, spreading Quaid-i-Azam’s message to every corner of the land. “Today too, the nation’s hopes rest with you,” he said.

He urged millions of boys and girls to rise with the resolve to build the country. He said dozens of education and employment projects had been launched, encouraging the youth to work hard and help make Pakistan a self-reliant state.

The Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq celebrations unfolded with full ceremonial pomp. The event opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran and followed by parades from the three branches of the armed forces.

Contingents from Turkiye and Azerbaijan also joined the march-past, and formations by parade members spelt out “Freedom” and “Marka-e-Haq” and formed the national flag. Pakistan Air Force aircraft performed aerobatic manoeuvres over the stadium, thrilling spectators.

The evening also saw performances from renowned drummer Gumby and celebrated singer Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, whose renditions of patriotic songs lifted the crowd’s spirits. Children also performed tableaus to classic national songs, adding colour to the festivities.

A documentary jointly produced by ISPR and the Ministry of Information was screened, exposing Indian “conspiracies,” highlighting defensive measures, and celebrating the victory in the Marka-e-Haq.

As the clock struck midnight, the celebrations culminated in a spectacular fireworks display that lit up Islamabad’s sky while the national anthem played, marking the official start of Pakistan’s 78th year of independence.