（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
Every year, on 14th August, Pakistanis around the world unite in celebration of their homeland’s birth — a day marked by pride, reflection, and a renewed commitment to the ideals that inspired the creation of this sovereign Muslim state. Independence Day is not just an occasion to wave flags and sing the national anthem; it is a commemoration of an extraordinary journey of resilience, sacrifice, and visionary leadership that changed the map of the world in 1947.
The Road to Independence
The creation of Pakistan was neither accidental nor a gift from colonial rulers; it was the result of a determined, decades-long struggle led by the All India Muslim League under the remarkable leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The seeds of Pakistan were sown in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the Muslim community of the Indian subcontinent began to recognize the growing threat to its political, cultural, and religious identity under Hindu-majority domination. The decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of British colonial rule had already marginalized Muslims, politically and economically.
The All India Muslim League, formed in 1906, emerged as the political platform to safeguard Muslim rights. The turning point came with the Lahore Resolution of 23 March 1940, which clearly articulated the demand for a separate homeland for Muslims in the northwestern and eastern zones of India. This vision was grounded in the belief that Muslims, with their distinct religion, culture, laws, and traditions, constituted a separate nation entitled to self-determination.
Jinnah’s Vision and Leadership
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, revered as the Quaid-e-Azam (Great Leader), was the driving force behind Pakistan’s creation. Once a strong advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity, Jinnah came to believe — through political experience and historical events — that the rights and freedoms of Muslims could only be secured in an independent state.
With his steadfast determination, exceptional legal acumen, and diplomatic skill, Jinnah navigated the Muslim League through an increasingly complex political landscape. Despite facing opposition from both the Indian National Congress and the British government, he maintained an unwavering commitment to the cause.
His political slogan, “Unity, Faith, Discipline”, became the moral foundation for the independence movement, inspiring millions of Muslims across the subcontinent.
The Sacrifices for Freedom
The partition of British India in August 1947 came at a staggering human cost. Historians estimate that over one million people lost their lives in communal violence, while nearly 15 million were displaced, forced to leave their ancestral homes and migrate across newly drawn borders.
The sacrifices were immense. Entire families perished in massacres, caravans of refugees were attacked, and villages were burned. The Muslim population migrating from India to Pakistan endured unimaginable hardships — hunger, disease, violence, and loss. Yet, despite this suffering, the dream of Pakistan endured.
These sacrifices are an inseparable part of our national memory and remain a reminder of the price paid for freedom.
The Birth of a Nation
On 14th August 1947, Pakistan emerged as the world’s largest Muslim state, comprising East and West Pakistan (separated by over 1,000 miles of Indian territory). The green and white flag was hoisted for the first time, symbolizing the aspirations of over 70 million Muslims.
The creation of Pakistan was a historic achievement — not only did it fulfill the aspirations of the Muslims of South Asia, but it also proved that through unity, determination, and visionary leadership, even the most daunting political objectives could be realized.
Independence Day Traditions
Independence Day is marked each year with great enthusiasm, beginning with special prayers at mosques for the progress, prosperity, and security of Pakistan. The day starts with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, followed by the national flag being hoisted at important government buildings.
The President and Prime Minister deliver messages highlighting the day’s significance, paying tribute to the sacrifices of the freedom movement, and reaffirming commitment to national unity.
Throughout the country, streets, markets, and buildings are decorated with green and white lights, flags, and buntings. Schools and community organizations hold debates, essay competitions, and cultural programs to educate the younger generation about the struggle for independence.
Independence Day 2025: A Nation United
This year’s Independence Day was celebrated with renewed vigor and unity. Major ceremonies were held at the Islamabad Parade Ground, featuring military parades, cultural performances, and special presentations honoring national heroes.
The celebrations also showcased Pakistan’s technological progress, with exhibitions highlighting advances in defense, agriculture, science, and infrastructure. Across the country, from Karachi to Gilgit, public gatherings reflected a spirit of patriotism and hope.
In addition, this year’s observances paid special homage to the martyrs of the armed forces and civilians who have laid down their lives defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity.
Pakistan’s Achievements and Optimism for the Future
Since its inception, Pakistan has faced formidable challenges — political instability, wars, economic difficulties, and security threats. Yet, it has made remarkable achievements:
- Strategic Significance: Pakistan is a nuclear power and a vital player in regional and global geopolitics.
- Agriculture & Industry: From being an importer of food at independence, Pakistan has become self-sufficient in major crops and developed a strong industrial base.
- Education & Science: Growth in higher education, expansion of universities, and contributions to fields like IT, medicine, and engineering.
- Cultural Identity: A vibrant blend of diverse traditions, languages, and artistic expressions that enrich the nation’s heritage.
- The resilience of the Pakistani people — their ability to unite in times of crisis — remains the nation’s greatest strength.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
As Pakistan approaches its centennial in 2047, the lessons of the freedom struggle remain as relevant as ever: unity of purpose, visionary leadership, and selfless dedication are essential for national progress. The spirit of independence must not be confined to ceremonies; it should guide policy-making, governance, and civic responsibility.
On this Independence Day, let us honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for our freedom, protect the ideals for which Pakistan was created, and work tirelessly to make it a model of peace, prosperity, and justice in the Muslim world and beyond.
Pakistan Zindabad!
每年的8月14日，世界各地的巴基斯坦人都团结起来庆祝他们祖国的诞生——这是一个充满骄傲、反思和对这个穆斯林主权国家的理想的重新承诺的日子。独立日不仅仅是一个挥舞国旗、唱国歌的日子；这是对1947年改变世界版图的一段充满韧性、牺牲精神和远见卓识的非凡历程的纪念。
独立之路
巴基斯坦的建立既不是偶然，也不是殖民统治者的礼物；这是在真纳的杰出领导下，全印度穆斯林联盟领导的数十年坚定斗争的结果。
巴基斯坦的种子是在19世纪末和20世纪初播下的，当时印度次大陆的穆斯林社区开始意识到，在印度教徒占多数的统治下，其政治、文化和宗教身份受到越来越大的威胁。莫卧儿帝国的衰落和英国殖民统治的兴起已经在政治和经济上边缘化了穆斯林。
1906年成立的全印度穆斯林联盟成为维护穆斯林权利的政治平台。转折点出现在1940年3月23日的拉合尔决议，该决议明确要求在印度西北部和东部地区为穆斯林建立一个独立的家园。这一愿景的基础是，穆斯林拥有独特的宗教、文化、法律和传统，构成了一个独立的国家，享有自决权。
真纳的远见和领导力
穆罕默德·阿里·真纳，被尊称为“伟大领袖”，是巴基斯坦建国背后的推动力量。真纳曾经是印度教徒和穆斯林团结的强烈倡导者，通过政治经验和历史事件，他开始相信，穆斯林的权利和自由只有在一个独立的国家才能得到保障。
真纳凭借坚定的决心、非凡的法律智慧和外交技巧，带领穆斯林联盟度过了日益复杂的政治局面。尽管面临印度国民大会党和英国政府的反对，他仍然坚定不移地致力于这一事业。
他的政治口号“团结、信仰、纪律”成为印度独立运动的道德基础，鼓舞了印度次大陆数百万穆斯林。
为自由所作的牺牲
1947年8月英属印度的分治付出了惊人的人力成本。历史学家估计，超过100万人在种族暴力中丧生，近1500万人流离失所，被迫离开祖居，穿越新划定的边界。
牺牲是巨大的。整个家庭在大屠杀中丧生，难民车队遭到袭击，村庄被烧毁。从印度移民到巴基斯坦的穆斯林忍受了难以想象的苦难——饥饿、疾病、暴力和损失。然而，尽管遭受了这些苦难，巴基斯坦的梦想还是坚持了下来。
这些牺牲是我们国家记忆中不可分割的一部分，永远提醒着我们为自由付出的代价。
《一个国家的诞生
1947年8月14日，巴基斯坦成为世界上最大的穆斯林国家，包括东巴基斯坦和西巴基斯坦（被1000多英里的印度领土隔开）。绿白相间的旗帜首次升起，象征着7000多万穆斯林的愿望。
巴基斯坦的建立是一项历史性的成就，它不仅满足了南亚穆斯林的愿望，而且还证明，通过团结、决心和富有远见的领导，即使是最艰巨的政治目标也可以实现。
独立日传统
每年的独立日都以极大的热情庆祝，首先是在清真寺为巴基斯坦的进步、繁荣和安全进行特别祈祷。这一天首先在联邦首都鸣响31响礼炮，在省会城市鸣响21响礼炮，然后在重要的政府大楼升起国旗。
总统和总理发表讲话，强调这一天的重要性，向自由运动的牺牲表示敬意，并重申对国家团结的承诺。
在全国各地，街道、市场和建筑物都装饰着绿色和白色的灯、旗帜和彩旗。学校和社区组织举办辩论、作文比赛和文化活动，教育年轻一代争取独立的斗争。
2025年独立日：一个团结的国家
今年的独立日以新的活力和团结庆祝。主要仪式在伊斯兰堡阅兵场举行，包括阅兵式、文化表演和纪念民族英雄的特别演讲。
庆祝活动还展示了巴基斯坦的技术进步，展示了巴基斯坦在国防、农业、科学和基础设施方面的进步。在全国各地，从卡拉奇到吉尔吉特，公众集会反映出爱国主义和希望的精神。
此外，今年的纪念活动特别向为捍卫巴基斯坦主权和完整而牺牲的武装部队烈士和平民表示敬意。
巴基斯坦的成就和对未来的乐观
自建国以来，巴基斯坦面临着巨大的挑战——政治不稳定、战争、经济困难和安全威胁。然而，它取得了令人瞩目的成就：
战略意义：巴基斯坦是一个核大国，在地区和全球地缘政治中扮演着重要角色。
农业和工业：从独立时的粮食进口国，巴基斯坦已经在主要作物上实现了自给自足，并发展了强大的工业基础。
教育与科学：高等教育的增长，大学的扩张，以及对信息技术、医学和工程等领域的贡献。
文化认同：一个充满活力的混合不同的传统，语言和艺术表达，丰富了国家的遗产。
巴基斯坦人民的坚韧精神——他们在危机时刻团结一致的能力——仍然是这个国家最强大的力量。
纪念过去，建设未来
随着2047年巴基斯坦建国100周年的临近，自由斗争的教训仍与以往一样重要：目标一致、有远见的领导和无私的奉献对国家进步至关重要。独立精神不应局限于仪式；它应该指导决策、治理和公民责任。
值此独立日之际，让我们向那些为我们的自由献出生命的人们致敬，让我们捍卫巴基斯坦建国的理想，让我们不懈努力，使巴基斯坦成为穆斯林世界及其他地区和平、繁荣与正义的典范。
巴基斯坦万岁!
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Advisor, Consultant to Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).