Pakistan’s Entire Leadership Gathers for Unprecedented Independence Day Spectacle.

Right now, Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Stadium is buzzing with a massive event to celebrate Independence Day. But this year, there’s a new, powerful theme at the center of it all: “Marka-i-Haq,” or the “Battle of Truth.”

The occasion has brought out Pakistan’s entire top leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir are all present. They are joined by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, senior ministers, and foreign officials, making it a truly significant gathering.

The celebrations themselves are a sight to behold. Troops from Pakistan’s armed forces have been putting on a spectacular parade, with soldiers from Turkiye and Azerbaijan also participating. The night sky over the capital was lit up by a fly-by from fighter jets, which deployed brilliant flares. On the ground, parade members created stunning formations, spelling out words like “freedom” and even forming the shape of the national flag.

So, what is this “Marka-i-Haq” all about?

According to Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the theme was chosen to showcase the nation’s pride, progress, and ability to bounce back from challenges. To make it permanent, PM Shehbaz is also expected to unveil a new “Marka-i-Haq Monument” tonight.

But the name has deeper, more recent roots. The Pakistan Army originally coined the term “Marka-i-Haq” in May to describe the period of military tension with India. This confrontation began after the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which India blamed on Pakistan. The situation escalated when New Delhi launched airstrikes into Pakistan on the night of May 6-7, leading to an exchange of missiles between the two countries. The intense standoff finally ended after the US helped broker a ceasefire.

Tonight’s celebration aims to reframe that tense chapter as a story of national resilience, turning a “Battle of Truth” into a symbol of pride on Pakistan’s Independence Day.