ISLAMABAD :

A special ceremony was held in Jhelum, the “Land of Martyrs and Veterans,” on the occasion of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day. Minister of State for Railways and Finance and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, Bilal Azhar Kayani, hoisted the national flag at Akram Shaheed Park, accompanied by a ceremonial bugle salute.The event began with the Minister laying a floral wreath and offering prayers at the monument of Major Akram Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider). The Minister was also joined by Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab for Health, General (R) Azhar Kayani, district administration officials, school children, and citizens in unfurling a Pakistani flag that was several hundred feet long.In his address, Bilal Azhar Kayani congratulated the nation on the dual celebration of the 78th Independence Day and the victory in the “rightful struggle” (Ma’arka-e-Haq), stating that this freedom is the result of the great sacrifices of our martyrs and veterans. He also paid tribute to the elders, mothers, sisters, and daughters who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom.He extended his respects to all the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement, including its founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose foresight and spirited political struggle made our freedom possible.Bilal Azhar Kayani marked August 14, 1947, and May 10, 2025, as two historic dates, with one representing independence and the other the protection of that independence. He praised the Pakistan Armed Forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, General Sahir Shamshad, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar, and Admiral Naveed Ashraf, for “crushing the enemy’s pride.” He stated that the armed forces created a situation where Indian aircraft and ground troops were unable to take to the air or enter the field. “Alhamdulillah, we have proven that we can protect the trust of our elders and the freedom of Pakistan,” he said.Addressing the economic situation, the Minister of State said the nation has won the war on every front, including the economic battle against default and inflation. He added that after achieving economic stability, the nation must now “conquer the front of economic development.” He mentioned that Moody’s recent announcement to improve Pakistan’s rating is another congratulatory gift on Independence Day, similar to the improved ratings from Fitch and Standard & Poor’s, which are milestones in the economic struggle. He paid tribute to Quaid Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for these achievements. He vowed to make economic integrity as invincible as geographical integrity.The ceremony was also attended by Muslim League member of the National Assembly Chaudhry Farrukh Altaf, other leaders, workers, and district administration officials. A cake was cut to celebrate Pakistan’s birthday, and sirens were sounded for one minute. Pigeons were released to symbolize freedom, and Bilal Azhar Kayani planted a sapling. School children presented national songs and tableaux.Bilal Azhar Kayani called Jhelum the “land of lions and eagles” who protect Pakistan’s freedom and paid special tribute to the brave sons of Jhelum, Captain Hasnain Akhtar, Sepoy Mirza Jawad, and Police Constable Haider Ali Hussain, who were martyred for the homeland. He concluded by saying that the Pakistani flag waving in every graveyard in Jhelum is a testament that “we accept nothing but martyrdom and freedom.”