Maryam Nawaz vows freedom from poverty on I-Day

Punjab CM unveils Marka-e-Haq Monument, Museum and Park Project in Lahore

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has pledged to leave no stone unturned to improve the lives of the people and to play a vibrant role in freeing Pakistan from poverty.

Addressing the unveiling ceremony of the Marka-e-Haq Monument, Museum and Park Project on Independence Day at the Expo Centre, she said, “Now we will wage a war against poverty and ignorance. We will fight to improve the country and will wage a war against sedition and disorder. To win a war, it is not only military equipment which is necessary, but possessing unwavering faith in Allah Almighty as well. When the Pakistan Air Force downed Rafale jets with JF-Thunders, no one could believe it."

کور ہیڈ کوارٹر لاہور میں پرچم کشائی کی تقریب، وزیراعلی مریم نوازشریف اور کور کمانڈرلاہور مہمان خصوصی تھی۔ pic.twitter.com/SulIhigumZ

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) August 14, 2025

She highlighted, "If we had been politically divided, we could never have won the war against the enemy. From the 'Marka-e-Haq,' the world learned what ‘Bunyanum Marsus’ means. During my visits to colleges across Punjab for distributing laptops among talented students, I understood the phrase: ‘This homeland is yours; you are its guardians.’ The entire nation got united and became an iron wall against the enemy's aggression."

She outlined, "The entire nation salutes those who downed the enemy’s Rafale aircraft.”
She paid tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir, who displayed exemplary wartime leadership and led Pakistan to victory. “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Armed Forces like an iron wall," she added.

She underscored, "Independence Day is dedicated to those mothers who send their sons to the battlefield with a lion's heart. The whole nation, Nawaz Sharif and myself, pay tribute with profound reverence to the brave mothers who bid farewell to their young sons to the battlefield. We salute those brave daughters who sacrifice their marital life for the sake of the sacred homeland, and the children who bear the pain of orphanage for the sake of the defence and protection of our dear homeland. Independence Day is meant for those sons who gave their precious blood to safeguard their dear motherland."

سپہ سالار بھائی فیلڈ مارشل جنرل عاصم منیر کو تاریخی فتح دلوانے پر خراج تحسین پیش کرتی ہوں pic.twitter.com/OnFW3erIeU

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) August 14, 2025

She maintained, "We dedicate Independence Day to the valiant warriors who fought bravely on the borders. Every year we celebrate our Independence Day, but on account of Marka-e-Haq, this year’s rejoice is unparalleled. Today is dedicated to the valiant soldiers who gave a befitting reply to the enemy's aggressive designs, to the leadership, officers, and soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, and to Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who made the country a nuclear power and rendered its defence impregnable."

The chief minister said, "I request everyone to rise today with a firm resolve to make our sacred homeland greater and stronger than ever before. I also urge the workers, farmers, teachers, students, and politicians to set aside their political differences and give foremost priority to the progress and prosperity of their country. Serving the country and the nation is an honour not granted to everyone. If one attains an elevated position but is devoid of good intentions, it leads to disgrace."

Also Read: President confers awards on military, political leadership for Marka-e-Haq's success

She added, "The journey of decline that began in 2018 has ended. Pakistan has defeated an enemy four times greater than its size with full zeal and determination.”

On the eve of Independence Day, a record of fireworks and laser shows organised simultaneously in all 41 districts of Punjab was set.

The digital show displayed through drones was also immensely liked by the citizens, with special interest shown by children and women.

Artistes performed songs, while illumination of roads, highways, intersections, government and private buildings, parks, and markets enhanced the celebrations.

Citizens hoisted the national flag on their homes, cars, and bikes. The celebrations had begun on August 1.