Jubilant celebrations were seen throughout Pakistan as the country celebrated its 77th Independence Day with enthusiasm and a strong sense of national pride. Government buildings proudly displayed the vibrant green and white flags adorned with crescents, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of freedom and unity.
The festivities kicked off early Wednesday morning with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in all provincial capitals. As the centerpiece of the celebrations, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad. The prime minister personally invited Olympics athlete Arshad Nadeem, winner of a gold medal in the javelin throw at the Paris Olympics, to participate with his family in this prestigious event.
The nation is grappling with severe challenges. Independence Day now serves as a somber reminder of the nation’s unfulfilled potential.
Despite the national pride, Rawalpindi-based political analyst Muhammed Najeeb Jarral told The Media Line that as Pakistan celebrates its 77th Independence Day, “the nation is grappling with severe challenges. Independence Day now serves as a somber reminder of the nation’s unfulfilled potential.”
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan originally came into being as an independent nation when India was separated into two nations in 1947 after Britain yielded control of India. According to the partition plan, British India was divided into two dominions: a Muslim-majority Pakistan and a secular India.
Today, Pakistan is the seventh-largest country in the world and the only Muslim-majority country to possess nuclear weapons. Yet, the country has been suffering from a severe political and economic crisis in recent years.
The contrast is stark between the early years of independence when Pakistan had a GDP of $3.8 billion and rudimentary infrastructure, and the present day, where the GDP has grown to $381 billion.
Dr. Jazib Mumtaz, a senior research economist and analyst at the Policy Research & Advisory Council (PRAC) based in Karachi, critically reflected on Pakistan’s journey as the country marked its Independence Day. “The contrast is stark between the early years of independence when Pakistan had a GDP of $3.8 billion and rudimentary infrastructure, and the present day, where the GDP has grown to $381 billion.”
Pakistan continues to face significant challenges, including deepening socioeconomic disparities, poor economic policies, and rising costs that have left many struggling.
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Despite this progress, Mumtaz pointed out that “Pakistan continues to face significant challenges, including deepening socioeconomic disparities, poor economic policies, and rising costs that have left many struggling.” He emphasized the “need for policies that prioritize equity, strengthen institutions, and foster public involvement to ensure that the benefits of growth reach all citizens.”
He noted that “heightened militancy threats, a destabilized economy, and soaring electricity and fuel prices have intensified daily struggles, while ongoing political instability continues to erode confidence in the country’s leadership.”
Jarral described the country’s situation as a result of erroneous policies. “Pakistan’s long-standing reliance on international aid agencies has trapped the country in a cycle of dependency, further weakened by incompetent rulers who have failed to implement sustainable economic policies. This mismanagement has left the average citizen burdened by rising costs, to the point where even securing a basic meal has become a struggle.”
The difficulties are acknowledged at the highest levels. Speaking at a major event in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked, “The 77-year journey of the country is a tale of relentless struggle. This journey has been fraught with challenges, such as power struggles, conspiracies, and mistakes.” The prime minister noted current concerns about inflation, unemployment, and high electricity bills, while emphasizing the need to also address how the country reached this point.
Meanwhile, General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, gave an address at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) parade in Kakul, reiterating the armed forces’ unwavering dedication to protecting and securing the nation from both internal and external threats.
Rising militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has heightened security concerns. Munir commended the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies for their successful counter-terrorism efforts and sacrifices.
While asserting that Pakistan is prepared to provide a swift and severe response to any enemy aggression, he also praised Pakistan’s strategic position, potential, abundant natural resources, hardworking populace, and determined youth, foreseeing a bright future for the nation.
According to Radio Pakistan, a state-run broadcaster, the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken extended heartfelt wishes to Pakistan on its Independence Day. He praised the enduring ties between the two nations and expressed a commitment to deepening the US-Pakistan partnership and enhancing people-to-people connections.
Other Independence Day events included the changing of the guard at the shrines of the nation’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in Karachi and of the national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, in Lahore.
President Asif Ali Zardari announced the conferring of Pakistan’s national awards to 104 Pakistanis and foreigners, honoring individuals across various fields, including science and engineering, education, medicine, arts, literature, sports, social services, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, taxation, export, public service, gallantry, and services to Pakistan. The awards will be presented at an investiture ceremony on March 23, 2025.
President Zardari also conferred the Hilal-e-Pakistan (Pakistan Crescent Award) on Saudi Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman Al Saud for his services to Pakistan, while Pakistani embassies around the world also organized special events to honor those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
Noureen Akhter, a policy consultant at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), told The Media Line, “On Independence Day, the nation finds itself at a pivotal moment, reflecting on a journey that has been marked by both significant achievements and persistent challenges.”
Akhter highlighted Pakistan’s significant advancements in critical areas, particularly in defense, nuclear capabilities, and technology. “These achievements have bolstered its sovereignty and national security, and reflect the nation’s ability to overcome adversity. Pakistan’s resilience is evident in its ability to withstand natural disasters, navigate political instability, and endure economic challenges.”
She added that “the nation’s burgeoning talent pool, particularly among the youth, is a critical asset. This emerging generation is not only a source of innovation and creativity but also represents the future potential of Pakistan, poised to lead the nation into a new era of progress and development.”
The growing disconnect between traditional values and modern practices has led to an identity crisis, complicating Pakistan’s future progress. There is a need to address challenges for a more equitable future, urging Pakistan to reassess its past 77 years and realign its trajectory towards prosperity.
However, Akhter underlined the deepening socioeconomic disparities, political corruption, and erosion of foundational values, which have weakened national unity and trust in institutions. “The growing disconnect between traditional values and modern practices,” she noted, “has led to an identity crisis, complicating Pakistan’s future progress. There is a need to address challenges for a more equitable future, urging Pakistan to reassess its past 77 years and realign its trajectory towards prosperity.”
Muhammad Jarral summarized the significance of this year’s reflections: “The vision of a prosperous, self-reliant Pakistan, once clear at independence, feels increasingly out of reach. … Without strong and visionary leadership, the path to recovery is uncertain, and true independence remains elusive,” he warned.