ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan marked its 73rd Independence Day on Wednesday, citizens from all walks of life and faith joined hands to celebrate the occasion by organizing events in various parts of the country.
“Let us join hands to move our beloved country toward peace and stability, as well as to ensure long-term economic development and prosperity,” Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, a Hindu lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party told Arab News.
He added that it’s an occasion which reminds us to work toward national growth and development “to realize the dream of our founding fathers.”
“Let’s show solidarity with the people of Kashmir who have been offering huge sacrifices for the last 73 years,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, a Facebook message posted by the All Pakistan Christian Community wished everyone on the occasion, adding: “Whatever the condition or situation is, Pakistani Christians will always stand by Pakistan and the armed forces of Pakistan.”
During a joint session of parliament, on August 6, certain representatives from the Hindu community made a flag with 60,000 green and white balloons which was showcased at the National Assembly Hall. The initiative, undertaken by the Pakistan Hindu Council, was the result of five days of hard work.
On August 11 every year, Pakistan observes the National Minorities’ Day. In this year’s messages, both President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the country could not aspire to achieve progress unless its nation had unity in its ranks.
PM Khan further renewed his pledge to work toward the welfare and wellbeing of minorities living in Pakistan, adding that their love for the country was exemplary and unquestionable.
He added that Pakistan’s founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah had detailed a policy for minorities in Pakistan which his government was determined to fulfill. “We will keep our promise of complete religious freedom and equal opportunities for minorities to ensure their progress and development,” he said.
Hindus and Christians unite to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day
Hindus and Christians unite to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day
- It’s an occasion that reminds us to work toward national growth, Hindu lawmaker says
- Christian community vows to stand by country always
Over 200 security forces personnel killed in Balochistan militant attacks in 2025— chief minister
- Pakistani security forces launched thousands of operations, killed 760 militants, says Sarfraz Bugti
- Pakistan’s military media wing says 12 “Indian-sponsored militants” killed in Balochistan’s Kalat district
ISLAMABAD: Over 200 security forces personnel were killed in several militant attacks in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province this year, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said on Sunday.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by since yet its most backward by almost all social and economic indicators, has suffered from a bloody separatist insurgency for decades launched by ethnic Baloch militant groups. The most prominent among them is the Balochistan Liberation Army.
These militant outfits accuse the military and federal government of denying the local Baloch population a share in the province’s mineral wealth, charges Islamabad denies.
“We have lost [in one year] 205 security forces personnel, including paramilitary, uniformed, police, levies, and along with that, there are six officers,” Bugti told reporters during a press conference.
The chief minister said Balochistan had witnessed 900 militant attacks throughout the year, adding that the number of civilian casualties was recorded at 280.
Bugti said security forces had also launched thousands of intelligence-based operations in 2025 against militants.
“Out of those, the terrorists who have been killed so far, that is 760,” he said.
TWELVE MILITANTS KILLED IN KALAT
Separately, the Pakistani military’s media wing said on Sunday that security forces had killed 12 “Indian-sponsored militants” in Balochistan’s Kalat district on Dec. 6.
It said the militants belonged to Indian proxy “Fitna al Hindustan,” a term the military uses frequently to describe ethnic Baloch militant groups who demand independence from Pakistan. Islamabad accuses New Delhi of arming and funding these separatist groups, charges India has always denied.
“Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area,” the ISPR said.
Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan, has seen a surge in militant attacks in recent months. Pakistan’s military said on Saturday that security forces had killed five militants in the Dera Bugti area of the province.
