Pakistan Marks 80th Independence Day with Flag-Hoisting Ceremony in Kathmandu

• President Asif Ali Zardari said that independence is not only a historic achievement but also a responsibility.
• Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that sustainable peace in South Asia depends on a diplomatic resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
• Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal Mohammad Aamir Khan said that the centuries-old civilizational, historical relations between Nepal and Pakistan are based on shared values.

VOK NEWS/Kathmandu, 14 August 2026. A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Chancery of the Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan’s 80th Independence Day.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Aamir Khan, unfurled the national flag at the ceremony. Members of the Pakistani community, Nepali friends and Embassy officials, along with their families, attended the event.

In his message on the occasion, President of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari said that 14 August is a day to remember the sacrifices that made Pakistan possible. He paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement.

President Zardari said that independence is not only a historic achievement but also a responsibility. He cited Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue in the region as an important example of this responsibility. According to him, Pakistan has effectively used its channels of communication, geographical location and diplomatic capital to encourage dialogue and de-escalation at a time when a wider conflict could have serious consequences for the region and the world.

In his message, Prime Minister of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the journey of national development and prosperity is moving forward towards a brighter future despite the challenges along the way.

He said that Pakistan’s brave armed forces have, at every moment of adversity and in response to every hostile attack, demonstrated that the defence of the motherland is invincible.

Prime Minister Sharif said that Pakistan is acclaimed in the comity of nations as a strong, resolute and dignified country and a powerful advocate of peace. He described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a testament to Pakistan’s effective role in the region and its emerging strategic strength.

He further said that lasting peace in South Asia hinges on a diplomatic resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar, in his message, said that since independence, Pakistan has made remarkable strides across diverse fields, guided by the enduring principles of unity, faith and discipline.

He said that the occasion reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity while remaining firmly committed to international law, responsible statecraft and the pursuit of regional peace.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar paid special tribute to the valiant Armed Forces, police and paramilitary forces of Pakistan, saying that their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment remain a bulwark of Pakistan’s national security.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal H.E. Mr. Mohammad Aamir Khan paid tribute to the historic struggle of 1947 and the sacrifices of the nation’s forefathers.

The Ambassador underscored that Pakistan’s diplomatic role in lowering tensions in West Asia had made a positive impact globally. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and progress, while noting that the nation would stand together in the face of any challenge.

Ambassador Khan also expressed Pakistan’s firm readiness to further strengthen diplomatic and economic bilateral relations between Pakistan and Nepal, based on centuries-old civilizational links, historic relations and shared values.

The press release was issued by the Embassy of Pakistan, Kathmandu, Nepal, dated 14 August 2026.