This Independence Day hits different, doesn’t it? Here in Pakistan, the air’s thick with a kind of patriotism you can almost touch—a fresh wave of energy sparked by our hard-won triumph in Marka-e-Haq, as it’s officially known, Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. From the booming 31-gun salute echoing through Islamabad to the 21-gun echoes in Lahore, Karachi, and the other provincial hubs, and those heartfelt prayers for peace ringing out everywhere, it’s all laced with this deep, buzzing pride. We’re not just marking the day we became a nation; we’re toasting to a spirit that’s been fired up anew, like we’ve rediscovered what makes us unbreakable.

That short, intense four-day clash—thrust upon us by India out of nowhere—ended in a way that really hammered home how precious our freedom is. I remember tuning into President Asif Ali Zardari’s speech, where he said, “The world saw a Pakistan that’s all about peace, but don’t mistake that for weakness—we’ll defend our land and honor with everything we’ve got.” Facing down that uncalled-for push, our response was sharp, brave, and measured, sending a loud and clear signal: We want harmony, but we won’t be pushed around.

But let’s be real, this isn’t just about winning a fight. It’s a wake-up call to what happens when........

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