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KARACHI: Pakistan’s civilian and military leaders marked the country’s 78th Independence Day on Thursday by hailing what they described as a decisive victory against India in a brief military conflict earlier this year, using the anniversary to call for unity at home and reiterate support for disputed Kashmir.

The South Asian nation, which has fought three major wars with India since partition in 1947, said it had downed six Indian jets in fighting through missiles, drones and artillery that raged between May 6 and 10 before ending through US mediation. Officials have since framed the confrontation — which Islamabad has dubbed Marka-e-Haq, or “Battle of Truth” — as a moment of national resurgence.

Pakistan, carved out of British India in 1947, has seen repeated bouts of political turmoil, economic instability and tense relations with its neighbor in the decades since. This year’s Independence Day messages underscored how the May conflict has become a rallying point for its leaders to emphasize unity, resilience and renewed national confidence.

“Pakistan’s great victory in Marka-e-Haq during the war imposed by India on 6-10th May 2025 has not only increased the significance of freedom, but has also enliven a new ambition and enthusiasm in the hearts of Pakistanis, which has amplified the joy and celebrations of the Independence Day,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a statement. 

“The military capability, valour and faith of our brave soldiers and air warriors forced the enemy to kneel down … With same passion, we stand vigilant to defend and safeguard our national interests including water resources.”

In a separate message, President Asif Ali Zardari also linked the country’s birth anniversary to the May conflict. 

“Our success in Marka-e-Haq … is a landmark moment in our history,” he said, calling it “a demonstration of unshakable national will, professional excellence, and united purpose.” 

Zardari added that “the world witnessed a nation that is peace-loving, but fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The president used his address to urge Pakistanis to channel “the same discipline, courage, and clarity” into economic revival and social reform, saying recent military success should inspire efforts to eradicate poverty and strengthen institutions.

Both leaders reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing stance on Kashmir, which is disputed between India and Pakistan since 1947.

“India also needs to demonstrate the same will for the resolution of all disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” Sharif said, while Zardari pledged diplomatic, moral, and political support to Kashmiris “until their right to self-determination is realized.”

In a joint message, the chiefs of Pakistan’s army, navy and air force stressed that the “unbreakable bond between the Armed Forces and the people is the cornerstone of our collective strength,” pledging to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and uphold the constitution.

KARACHI: In the days before Pakistan’s Independence Day, the streets of Karachi fill with green and white flags, bunting and balloons, but for many women in the city, the national celebration is also a time to step into business — if only for a few days.

Housewives, maids and street vendors set up temporary stalls along busy roads and markets, selling flags, badges, hats and T-shirts to customers celebrating the August 14 holiday.

In an economy where inflation has eroded incomes and steady jobs are scarce, the seasonal rush offers a welcome boost to household finances.

“August 14 is Independence Day, a day of happiness, so we also celebrate our happiness and earn a livelihood for the children,” said Shama Sikandar, a housewife selling Independence Day T-shirts for the first time this year from a roadside stall on Shahra-e-Quaideen.

“Before this, I would just stay at home and do nothing all year.”

She said the sight of other women working outside the home inspired her to try.

“It feels good to be working. I have seen many women even driving rickshaws, some riding motorcycles, some pushing carts, and others doing various jobs to earn a livelihood for their children.”

In Karachi, seasonal vendors crowd key intersections and shopping strips ahead of the holiday, calling out to passing motorists and pedestrians. The sales supplement incomes for women who otherwise rely on low-paying, year-round work.

For 32-year-old maid and mother of three, Saima Babar, the August rush is a planned investment.

From her savings of 30,000 rupees ($105), she buys flags and other celebratory goods to sell on the streets.

“Thanks to Allah, the household runs, we manage one meal a day, and that’s fine, right? My children are doing okay,” she said. “[By selling flags] I manage to save about 10 to 12 thousand rupees ($36–$43).”

Husna, a mother of seven who usually sells pens and keychains at traffic lights in Karachi’s upscale Defense area, shifts her stall to the Sindhi Muslim neighborhood every August.

“On some flags, I earn 20 rupees ($0.07) profit; on others, 30 rupees ($0.11). In this way, I make around 1,200 rupees ($4.30) a day,” she said, before handing over a badge and a couple of flags to a customer.

“Our livelihood is made; there’s enough for bread, water, and lentils. It’s happiness for you, and it’s happiness for us too. Pakistan Zindabad.”

Even women who have been selling for years say the holiday provides a reliable boost.

Sajan Kumar and his wife, Suman, have been setting up a flag stall on Shahra-e-Faisal every August for the past eight years.

“As soon as August 14 arrives, we come here to sell flags,” Kumar said. “It’s a day of celebration. We sell every year. People buy them, celebrate, and also come with their children to stroll around. We manage to save around 10 to 15 thousand rupees ($36–$54).”

Pakistan marks its 79th Independence Day this year under the theme “Marka-e-Haq – the Battle of Truth,” with celebrations beginning on Aug. 1 and running through the month. Across Sindh and Punjab provinces, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural shows, boat parades, marathons, and even donkey cart races have drawn large crowds.

For Babar, the more the merrier.

“The more people celebrate, the more purchases there are, right?” she said with a smile.