Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif have extended
heartfelt felicitations to the entire Pakistani nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day. They said that Kashmir remains the unfinished agenda of the Partition of the Subcontinent. They said they we will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to our brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir(IIOJK).
This stated by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in their separate messages on the occasion of Pakistan Day, 23rd March, 2026.
In his message President Asif Ali Zardari said " I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the entire Pakistani nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day. On this very day in 1940, the Muslims of the Subcontinent adopted the Pakistan Resolution and presented the idea of establishing a separate homeland where they could live their lives freely in accordance with Islamic principles. Today, we pay tribute to our elders whose struggle and sacrifices led to the creation of Pakistan".
President Zardari said that Pakistan Day reminds us that unity and solidarity are the most important elements in transforming national resolve into reality. At the time of Pakistan's creation in 1947, we faced numerous challenges. History bears witness that through mutual cooperation, hard work and capability, we overcame those difficulties and achieved remarkable success in every field. We established state institutions, made our defence capability impregnable, acquired nuclear deterrence, fought a long and successful unconventional war against terrorism and set shining examples of sacrifice and mutual support during natural disasters.
President Zardari said that during Marka-e-Haq in May last year, we confronted the enemy's aggression with courage and taught such a lesson that it will remember for a long time. Even today, we face challenges on the internal front and along our external borders. Like Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq has also achieved significant and desired results. Our clear message to the illegally imposed group in Afghanistan is that we will not allow terrorists to use Afghan soil for actions against Pakistan. We will also completely eliminate those who sponsor terrorism and those who, through India or its proxy elements, seek to undermine our peace and our efforts for peaceful coexistence, so as to secure our settlements and our borders.
President Zardari said that in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the open violations of human rights by Indian forces, attempts to alter the demographic composition, patronage of Hindutva and the unjust treatment of minorities in India, particularly Muslims, are proofs that the decision of Quaid-e-Azam and the Muslim leadership to seek a separate homeland was prudent. Kashmir remains the unfinished agenda of the Partition of the Subcontinent. We expect the international community to urge India to allow the people of IIOJK to live according to their will and to grant them the right of self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. The international community must also step forward to end the atrocities being committed against our Palestinian brothers, who deserve to live a dignified and peaceful life under the internationally recognised two-state solution and peaceful coexistence. Similarly, we emphasise the resolution of the recent tensions in West Asia through diplomacy and dialogue.
President Zardari said that on the occasion of Pakistan Day, we must resolve to ensure the rule of law, strengthen democratic institutions, reduce inequality, empower women, promote political and economic stability and eliminate the scourge of terrorism and extremism. We have achieved our objectives in the past and I firmly believe that we possess the full capacity to overcome the challenges currently facing Pakistan. Unity, Faith and Discipline are the guiding principles through which we can make Pakistan even stronger and more prosperous.
"Let us pay tribute to our national heroes and to the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed for the creation and stability of Pakistan and devoted their lives to the security, stability and prosperity of the motherland. May Allah Almighty be our protector and supporter.
Ameen. Pakistan Zindabad!" President Zardari concluded.
PM Shahbaz Sharif in his message said "on this historic national occasion of Pakistan Day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation. 23rd of March holds the status of a significant milestone in the history of South Asia. Eighty-six years ago, on this historic day, the Muslim leadership of the subcontinent united with unwavering resolve to lay the foundation of a separate homeland".
He said that drawing inspiration from the vision of Allama Iqbal, Muslim leaders presented the concept of a State where Muslims could secure their constitutional and political rights and live with dignity, freedom, and honor. On 23 March 1940, the historic Lahore Resolution instilled such determination among Muslims that within a short span of seven years, on 14 August 1947, our forefathers succeeded in achieving a separate homeland: "Pakistan" under the visionary leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
PM Shahbaz Sharif said undoubtedly, with the blessing of freedom, Pakistan stands as a testament to the wisdom, determination, perseverance, and sacrifices of our ancestors.
He said that since its inception, our nation has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination in every trial. From a nascent state to becoming a nuclear power, our journey reflects steadfastness and iron resolve.
This journey towards a bright future continues even today.
PM Shahbaz Sharif said to shape Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, we must move forward with steadfastness, tireless effort, and a collective national strategy.
PM Shahbaz Sharif said that despite numerous challenges, we have, by the grace of Almighty Allah, steered Pakistan's economy towards sustainable growth.
A consistent decline in inflation, increased investors' confidence, and positive economic indicators are the evidence that we are moving in the right direction. This progress is the result of bold reforms, prudent policies, and the people's confidence in their abilities and in the bright future of our beloved country.
Our armed forces and law enforcement agencies, with their high professionalism and patriotic spirit, are defending Pakistan's freedom and sovereignty. Last year, during Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos, Pakistan's armed forces delivered a strong and decisive response to the enemy, writing a golden chapter of military history. By thwarting hostile designs, they proved that Pakistan's defense is "impregnable" and our resolve "unshakable".
PM Shahbaz Sharif said that this year, on the night of 26 February 2026, the unprovoked aggression by a Taliban insurgent group on our borders was met with a strong response through Operation Ghazab-lill- Haq. This operation is not merely a military action but a symbol of our national resolve against terrorism, and that is, we will not allow any harm to the peace and security of our country.
Pakistan is a proponent of global peace; however, sustainable peace in South Asia is linked to the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. We will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to our brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir(IIOJK).
Pakistan also expresses full solidarity with the people of Palestine and remains deeply concerned about the recent tensions in the Middle East. As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan continues to pursue balanced and active diplomacy focused on regional stability, dialogue, and mutual respect. We firmly believe that negotiations are the path to lasting peace.
"On Pakistan Day, we pay rich tribute to the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement for their everlasting contributions. We also salute the brave officers and soldiers of Pakistan's armed forces and law enforcement agencies who have sacrificed their lives to safeguard the country's independence, sovereignty, and security. The entire nation stands resolute in upholding its proud traditions and remains ever ready to face any challenge. Allah Almighty has blessed the people of Pakistan with immense potential, which will lead the country to greater heights of progress. Through long-term vision, effective policies, sincere efforts and national unity, we can achieve the position among comity of nations that the our founders had envisioned for us. When a determined and united nation stands firm for a common purpose, no challenge remains insurmountable. With unwavering spirit, tireless effort, and collective struggle, we will continue building a strong, prosperous, and developed Pakistan-Insha'Allah. Pakistan Z indabad!" PM Shahbaz Sharif concluded.
Meanwhile in his message Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said " I extend my warm greetings to the fellow Pakistani citizens on the momentous occasion of our National Day. Today we honor the 'Pakistan Resolution' adopted on 23 March 1940, under which the Muslims of the Subcontinent demanded a separate homeland where they could live according to the principles of Islam".
Ishaq Dar said that as we proudly commemorate March 23 today, we pay homage to the unwavering and courageous efforts, vision, and determination of our ancestors that resulted in the establishment of an independent Pakistan. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the Pakistan movement, overcoming numerous challenges with remarkable resilience, bravery, and conviction. Our brave nation rendered countless sacrifices to achieve the homeland envisaged in this resolution.
He said that today, we celebrate our National Day at a time when our region is engulfed in conflicts. The economic and political repercussions of the ongoing conflict in our region have affected us as well. Amid the austerity measures adopted by our Government, I truly hope and believe that our nation, while sticking to the values of unity, faith and discipline will be steadfast and together we shall successfully navigate this challenge as well, Inshallah.
Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan remains firmly committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism. Pakistan's actions inside Afghanistan against the menace of terrorism are directed towards this goal. Our brave sons of the soil are sacrificing their lives in its pursuit. We pay tribute to our martyrs and heroes, who have rendered supreme sacrifice for the betterment of our collective future.
Ishaq Dar said that on this day, we cannot forget our Kashmiri brothers and sisters and the exceptional sacrifices given by them in their quest for the inalienable right to self-determination. Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to providing moral and diplomatic support until the oppressed individuals of IIOJK attain their right to self-determination.
"On this special day, I extend warm greetings to fellow Pakistanis living abroad and commend their patriotism, dedication, and hard work. Each day, they proudly represent Pakistan internationally and play a vital role in shaping the country's future success. May Almighty Allah be the Guardian and the Protector of Pakistan - Ameen" Ishaq Dar concluded.