US, EU, France and other nations extend Independence Day greetings to Pakistan

Marco Rubio highlights cooperation with Islamabad in trade, energy, counterterrorism and regional mediation

The United States, European Union, France and Azerbaijan on Friday extended greetings to the people of Pakistan on the country’s 79th Independence Day, reaffirming their friendship and partnership with Islamabad.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters, while special prayers were offered for the peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country, Radio Pakistan reported.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held across the country, while buildings, streets and public places were decorated with national flags, buntings and colourful lights.

In a statement shared on X by the US Embassy Islamabad, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “On behalf of the United States, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of Pakistan on their Independence Day.”

“Through our mutual cooperation in areas such as regional mediation, critical minerals, energy, counterterrorism, cultural heritage, and trade and investment, we are transforming our shared capabilities into progress and delivering real results for both the American and Pakistani peoples,” Rubio said.

“On this special occasion, we reaffirm our enduring partnership between our nations and the longstanding friendship between our two peoples,” he added.

پاکستان کے یومِ آزادی کے موقع پر سیکرٹری خارجہ مارکو روبیو کا پریس بیان: ریاستہائے متحدہ امریکہ کی جانب سے، میں پاکستان کے عوام کو ان کے یومِ آزادی پر دلی مبارکباد پیش کرتا ہوں۔
علاقائی ثالثی، اہم معدنیات، توانائی، انسدادِ دہشت گردی، ثقافتی ورثے اور تجارت و سرمایہ کاری کے شعبوں… https://t.co/CUf3fcm6oW

— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) August 14, 2026

The European Union, in a message posted on X, extended its “heartfelt congratulations” to the people of Pakistan on the occasion of the country’s 79th Independence Day.

“This day is a celebration of unity, freedom, and the spirit of national solidarity,” the post said, adding, “We are committed to further strengthening our strong friendship and partnership with Pakistan.”

پاکستان کے 79ویں یومِ آزادی کے موقع پر، ہم پاکستانی عوام کو دلی مبارکباد پیش کرتے ہیں. یہ دن اتحاد، آزادی اور قومی یکجہتی کے جذبےکو منانے کا دن ہے۔ پاکستان کے ساتھ اپنی مضبوط دوستی اور شراکت داری کو مزید مستحکم کرنے کے لیےہم پُرعزم ہیں۔
Happy Independence day 🇵🇰 #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/YbDDxVOij4

— EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) August 14, 2026

The Embassy of France in Pakistan also wrote on X, “France wishes the people of Pakistan a happy Independence Day.”

“We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership and cooperation across the many areas that connect our two countries,” it added.

🇨🇵🇵🇰 France wishes the people of Pakistan a happy Independence Day. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership and cooperation across the many areas that connect our two countries. 🇫🇷🤝🇵🇰
جشنِ آزادی مبارک

— France in Pakistan 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceinPak) August 14, 2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan also wrote on X, “On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the brotherly people and the Government of Pakistan. Happy Independence Day, Pakistan!”

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the brotherly people and the Government of Pakistan.

Happy Independence Day, Pakistan! 🇦🇿-🇵🇰@ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/6MMHXJROnE

— MFA Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 (@AzerbaijanMFA) August 14, 2026

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Embassy in Tajikistan said on X that it had held a flag-hoisting ceremony to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day.

🇵🇰 @PakinTajikistan held a flag-hoisting ceremony to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day. Messages of the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.

Pakistan Zindabad! 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/8CSkOf5LbJ

— Pakistan Embassy Tajikistan (@PakinTajikistan) August 14, 2026

“Messages of the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion,” the embassy said.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of the United Kingdom wrote on X, “Wishing a very happy Independence Day to Pakistanis in the UK, in Pakistan and around the world.”

Wishing a very happy Independence Day to Pakistanis in the UK, in Pakistan and around the world 🇵🇰🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/3wA9M6eS7y

— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) August 14, 2026

Khaleej Times reported that UAE leaders had congratulated the President of Pakistan on Independence Day.

UAE leaders congratulate President of Pakistan on Independence Dayhttps://t.co/ExhxuWWRb8

— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 14, 2026

Qatar News Agency wrote on X, “HH the Amir Sends Congratulations to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the Anniversary of his Country's Independence Day.”

HH the Amir Sends Congratulations to President of the Islamic Republic of #Pakistan on the Anniversary of his Country's Independence Day#QNA #Qatarhttps://t.co/qg24rpqTHg pic.twitter.com/ODcQvGjnYW

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) August 14, 2026

Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on X, “His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik sends a cable of congratulations to His Excellency President Asif Ali Zardari of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of his country's Independence Day.”

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik sends a cable of congratulations to His Excellency President Asif Ali Zardari of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of his country's Independence Day. pic.twitter.com/sNuyYvXS7O

— وزارة الخارجية (@FMofOman) August 13, 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent congratulations to Pakistan’s leadership on Independence Day, praising the “successful” development of Russian-Pakistani relations.

In his message, Putin highlighted fruitful cooperation in political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as coordination on key regional and global issues.

🇷🇺🇵🇰 Putin congratulates Pakistan on Independence Day

President Putin has sent his congratulations to Pakistan's leadership on the country's Independence Day, praising the "successful" development of Russian-Pakistani relations.

In his message, Putin highlighted fruitful… pic.twitter.com/QvqE1hDMI2

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) August 14, 2026

“I am confident that we will continue to work constructively together to further enhance the entire range of partnerships for the benefit of the friendly peoples of Russia and Pakistan, in the interests of strengthening international security and stability,” he said.