Pakistani celebrities marked the country’s 79th Independence Day with flag-hoisting ceremonies, family gatherings, musical tributes and messages calling for a more peaceful and inclusive Pakistan.
Sarwat Gilani shared a video of her husband and children decorating their home with national flags while listening to Vital Signs’ Dil Dil Pakistan. In her message, she called for the sacrifices made for Pakistan to be honoured by building a country where children are safe, education is accessible and women are respected.
Aiman Khan also joined the celebrations, sharing a video of herself singing along to Dil Dil Pakistan.
Musician Shehzad Roy shared a performance by girls from a school operated by his Zindagi Trust, who presented a rendition of Mehdi Hassan’s Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai.
Actor Faran Tahir said he was celebrating Independence Day at home for the first time in 45 years, describing the occasion as one of “gratitude, pride and hope” for Pakistan’s future.
Nadia Jamil shared footage of fireworks and stressed that Pakistan was ultimately defined by its people. She expressed hope for a country where children, people and animals could live safely.
Actor Adnan Siddiqui paid tribute to those who contributed to the creation of Pakistan, saying the country’s founders had built something that future generations were now responsible for protecting and developing.
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai marked the occasion by calling for greater investment in education. She said her recent interactions with Pakistani youth had left her hopeful about the country’s future.
Ahsan Khan said Independence Day should go beyond flags and slogans, urging Pakistanis to reflect on their contribution to the country and enhance its standing through their achievements and actions.
However, this year’s celebrations were accompanied by more sombre reflections following several incidents of violence and abuse involving women and children.
Actor Merub Ali questioned whether Pakistanis could consider themselves truly free when women remained afraid to live freely in their own country. She said her criticism stemmed from her love for Pakistan and concern over the conditions its people had come to accept as normal.
Zara Noor Abbas similarly argued that true freedom remained incomplete, saying the day should also be used to remember the sacrifices of the country’s founders and the hopes attached to its future generations.
Actor Zhalay Sarhadi shared a rendition of Nayyara Noor’s Sohni Dharti, saying her heart felt heavy this year. She called for justice, education and tolerance, while urging greater protection of women, children and animals.
Meanwhile, Iqra Aziz highlighted casualties caused by celebratory gunfire in Karachi. Two people were killed and 94 others injured in separate incidents, despite a ban on aerial firing.
The messages reflected a blend of patriotism and concern, with celebrities celebrating Pakistan’s independence while also calling for greater safety, justice, education and social responsibility.
