As Pakistan prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 14, 2025, the air is once again filled with the colors of patriotism and the sounds of unity. Flags flutter from rooftops, national songs echo across the streets, and millions of Pakistanis reflect on the journey of their beloved homeland. But this year, beyond the ceremonies and celebrations, a deeper meaning pulses through the nation’s heart — a collective awakening to what is being called the Ma’araka-e-Haq — the Battle for Truth, marking Pakistan’s military success in Operation Bunyān al-Marsoos against Indian aggression this year.
In an era where disinformation, ideological distortion, and hybrid warfare challenge the very foundations of identity and sovereignty, Pakistan’s Independence Day becomes more than a remembrance of the past — it becomes a reaffirmation of truth. A truth rooted in our founding vision, in the sacrifices of our armed forces, and in the unity of our people, regardless of faith or background
In a time of global uncertainty, disinformation, and renewed regional tensions, Pakistan’s Independence Day is no longer just a commemoration of the past — it is an assertion of purpose. It is a call to remember not only how we achieved independence, but how we continue to defend it every single day.
Independence and Truth: Inseparable Ideals
The story of Pakistan’s independence is rooted in the power of truth — the truth of identity, the truth of oppression, and the truth of a people’s unwavering will for self-determination. The historic movement for Pakistan, led by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was not born out of hatred, but out of a legitimate struggle for the rights and dignity of a distinct nation. That truth — often ignored, distorted, or undermined — became the moral force that shaped the world’s first ideological Muslim state.
In today’s digital era, however, truth is once again under assault. Misinformation campaigns, revisionist history, and hostile propaganda threaten to confuse generations and weaken our ideological foundation. Independence Day 2025 calls upon us to reaffirm our commitment to truth — not just in words, but in education, media, and collective consciousness.
The Role of Armed Forces: Guardians of Freedom and Fact
From the moment Pakistan was born amidst the chaos of Partition, it has been our armed forces that stepped in to protect the nation’s sovereignty. Whether it was the wars of 1948, 1965, and 1971, the Kargil conflict of 1999, or the long battle against terrorism, the soldiers of Pakistan have written countless stories of valor, sacrifice, and resilience.
Their heroism is not just a tale of defense — it is a testament to the truth that Pakistan’s existence is not accidental, but earned and defended by blood. Every soldier standing on the Siachen glacier, every officer combating insurgency in Balochistan, every pilot guarding the skies, and every sailor protecting maritime borders carries forward the mission of defending the truth of Pakistan.
This Independence Day, their sacrifices must not be seen as separate from the celebration. They are the reason we celebrate.
Minorities and National Unity: A Shared Destiny
One of the most powerful symbols of national integration this year comes from the Pakistan Hindu Council, which has announced that it will dedicate Independence Day 2025 to the Ma’araka-e-Haq — the Battle for Truth. According to a video message issued by its Patron-in-chief Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, National flags will be hoisted at every temple and dharamshala, while special prayers will be held for the progress and prosperity of the country.
This is not just a gesture of patriotism. It is a message that Pakistan’s minorities are not outsiders in this national narrative — they are equal stakeholders, defenders, and believers in the country’s future. From the temples of Sindh to the churches of Punjab and the Gurdwaras of KP, the unity of diverse faiths under one flag is perhaps the truest expression of Jinnah’s vision for a pluralistic Pakistan.
From Celebration to Responsibility
While Independence Day is rightly a time for festivity — parades, fireworks, and cultural shows — it should also be a moment of introspection. Are we doing enough to protect what we’ve inherited? Are our youth aware of the ideological basis of Pakistan? Are we building a country that reflects the values of our founders?
To transform celebration into responsibility, citizens must go beyond symbolic gestures. It means supporting the families of martyrs. It means promoting national harmony over ethnic or sectarian division. It means investing in education, voting responsibly, and holding institutions accountable — not out of cynicism, but out of love for the country.
The Digital Battlefield: Truth vs. Propaganda
One of the biggest threats to Pakistan today is not just from borders, but from bytes. Cyber warfare, misinformation, and fifth-generation hybrid warfare have become the new battlegrounds. Fake news, manipulated narratives, and ideologically hostile content on social media platforms aim to distort reality, sow division, and weaken national morale.
In this environment, truth becomes a weapon — and national defense becomes everyone’s duty. Journalists, bloggers, educators, students, and digital influencers have a role to play in safeguarding the ideological frontiers of Pakistan. Independence Day 2025 should be the moment we recognize the need for a national media literacy campaign that empowers citizens to differentiate between truth and falsehood.
The Green Flag: A Symbol of Unity and Resolve
As we raise our flag this year, let it not be a mere tradition. Let it be a declaration.
The crescent and star do not just represent Islam — they represent light in darkness, and guidance in uncertainty. When we raise our flag, we raise our identity. When we salute it, we salute those who died defending it. And when we defend it, we defend the truth of who we are.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of Freedom
As Pakistan steps into the 78th year of its independence, it does so facing monumental challenges — political polarization, economic instability, environmental degradation, and global pressures. But it also enters with unmatched potential — a young population, technological ambition, and a legacy of resilience.
The “Battle for Truth” is not a one-day event. It is a generational mission — to preserve the facts of our past, to protect the integrity of our institutions, and to promote a national narrative based on justice, inclusion, and pride.
On this Independence Day, let’s not just raise flags. Let’s raise awareness. Let’s raise voices for unity. And let’s raise standards — in how we govern, how we speak, and how we serve.
The Independece day also reminds that freedom and truth are intertwined. And when we stand united in defense of both, there is no force in the world that can defeat Pakistan.
Happy Independence Day. Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad.
Mr. Sabahuddin Qazi is Editor-in-chief of the Press Network of Pakistan.
