Pakistan’s Independence Day has always been a day of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to the ideals of the nation. Each year, the streets turn green and white, the air is filled with national songs, and the spirit of patriotism rises to its peak. But this year, the celebrations carry an entirely different weight — a deep sense of pride, triumph, and unity unlike any in recent memory.

The reason lies in a monumental event just months earlier: Pakistan’s decisive victory in what has already been called the Ma’arka-e-Haq (Battle for Truth) against its traditional rival, India. It began with the Pahalgam incident, which India used as a pretext to unleash a sudden and cowardly assault on the night of 6–7 May, firing missiles at civilian populations in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bagh, Bahawalpur, and Muridke. These attacks were not only a blatant violation of international norms but an attempt to spread fear among innocent civilians.

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The Pakistan Armed Forces responded instantly and decisively. In a display of unmatched coordination and skill, the Pakistan Air Force took to the skies and, within minutes, shot down five Indian fighter jets — including three Rafale aircraft that India had proudly showcased as symbols of its air superiority. Those same jets, once the pride of the Indian Air Force, were reduced to wreckage by the precision of Pakistan’s ace pilots, bringing the enemy’s arrogance crashing down.

Undeterred, India attempted another wave of aggression, using suicide drones to target........

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