Pakistan's High Commission in India's capital conducts Independence Day festivities
On the 14th of August, 2025, the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi commemorated the 78th anniversary of Pakistan's independence. The occasion was marked by a series of events that highlighted the country's rich history, national identity, and commitment to regional peace.
Saad Ahmad Warraich, the Charge d'Affaires of Pakistan to India, led the celebrations. Dressed in traditional attire, Warraich paid homage to the heroic freedom struggle that led to the creation of Pakistan. In his speech, he attributed the creation of Pakistan to the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Warraich reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and stability, stating that any approaches rooted in hegemonic notions of domination and control will hinder regional prosperity and development. He emphasized that the goal of regional peace can be achieved through sovereign equality, mutual trust, and peaceful settlement of disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir.
The charge d'affaires also emphasized that freedom cannot be taken for granted and needs to be defended every day. He stated that Pakistan is capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any external threat or aggression. He added that the independence movement taught that freedom is not free and was achieved through the blood and sacrifice of countless martyrs.
Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar were read out at the event. The charge d'affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, praised the heroic sacrifices of Pakistan's defenders.
Officers, staff, and families of the high commission attended the event, which took place at the Chancery Lawns. The occasion was filled with heartwarming performances by children, depicting various aspects of the freedom movement. A special cake was cut by the charge d'affaires, along with his spouse and other officers of the mission, on this occasion.
The celebrations for Pakistan's 78th anniversary of independence serve as a reminder of the struggle for self-determination and the sacrifices made by earlier generations. They also affirm Pakistan’s identity as an independent nation founded on the principles of unity and sovereignty. The commemoration in New Delhi underscores the historical ties, enduring challenges, and the importance of remembering Pakistan’s founding while promoting diplomatic engagement.
Pakistan gained independence from British colonial rule on August 14, 1947, a day before India’s independence on August 15, due to the scheduling of formal power transfer ceremonies overseen by the last British Viceroy, Lord Louis Mountbatten. The Indian Independence Act passed by the British Parliament divided British India into two sovereign dominions, India and Pakistan, to create a Muslim homeland and a secular India respectively. The creation of Pakistan followed decades of political mobilization led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the All India Muslim League, based on the demand articulated in the Lahore Resolution of 1940 for autonomous Muslim states within British India. This movement culminated in the partition known as the Partition of India, with borders drawn rapidly and contentiously by the Radcliffe Commission just before independence.
The 78th anniversary of Pakistan's independence represents a significant occasion marking national pride and remembrance of the struggle for self-determination and the sacrifices made by earlier generations. It also affirms Pakistan’s identity as an independent nation founded on the principles of unity and sovereignty. The ongoing importance of historical milestones tied to the partition and foundations of Pakistan is underscored by these commemorations.
- In his speech, Saad Ahmad Warraich also shed light on the political milestones of Pakistan, particularly the role of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the creation of the country, highlighting the general-news significance of the 78th anniversary of Pakistan's independence.
- The celebration of Pakistan's independence anniversary at the Chancery Lawns in New Delhi also sparked a conversation about sports diplomacy, as Saad Ahmad Warraich emphasized the importance of regional peace in fostering an environment conducive to sports and cultural exchange, thereby promoting a sense of unity across borders.
