NEW DELHI: (Bernama) Pakistan on Thursday (Aug 14) celebrated 78 years of its independence with a message of unity and strength.
The country's civilian and military leaders issued messages on the 78th Independence Day emphasising strong national defence and sovereignty.
"While expressing our resolve to protect Pakistan's sovereignty, we as a peaceful nation, reiterate our belief in the principles of peaceful coexistence and resolving the regional and global issues through dialogue and diplomacy," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a message.
He said Pakistan is determined to mobilise all available resources to meet the emerging economic, industrial, and technological challenges.
"Like military prowess, a strong and stable economy is also inevitable for an impregnable national defence and sovereignty, for which we all need to demonstrate the spirit of Marka-e-Haq and the Pakistan Movement," he said.
Marka-e-Haq or the Battle of Truth referred to the brief military conflict with India in May.
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called for further efforts to make the country more secure and prosperous.
"Freedom is not merely inherited, it is earned and preserved through responsibility, discipline, and unity," he said.
The military chiefs in their messages vowed to safeguard Pakistan's sovereignty and integrity at all costs. - Bernama
