Entertainment
Civil, military leaders celebrate Independence Day, hail ‘Marka-e-Haq’ victory in unity call
- Independence Day tied to recent military victory.
- PM calls for unity in ‘spirit of 1947’.
- Zardari urges reform, economic revival.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s civil and military leadership marked the country’s 78th Independence Day with messages of renewed unity, resilience, and commitment to defending sovereignty, tying this year’s celebrations to the military success in Marka-e-Haq — the period of conflict with India from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the May 10 conclusion of operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
The leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices of the nation’s founders and martyrs, emphasising that the this year’s April–May confrontation with India had reinforced the sanctity of Pakistan’s freedom and the resolve to safeguard it.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended his sincere invitation to all political parties and segments of the society to join hands with them in strengthening their resolve to safeguard the national interests.
“On this day, I call upon all political forces and citizens to unite in the spirit of 1947 and together build a strong and prosperous Pakistan for generations to come,” the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the nation on completion of 78 years of independence of Pakistan. I pay tribute to Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the Thinker of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who along with other resolute leaders and workers of the Independence Movement united the nation under one vision, one mission and one goal,” the premier said.
“The past 78 years tell a tale of resilience, strong faith and a hope of a bright future when as a nation, we braved several difficult challenges,” he said, linking the country’s endurance to its military success earlier this year.
“Pakistan’s historic victory in Marka-e-Haq during the four-day war imposed by India has not only reinforced the sanctity of our freedom, but has also instilled a renewed sense of ambition and national spirit in the hearts of our people, magnifying the pride and fervour of this Independence Day.”
He praised the armed forces for reviving “their past glory and shattered the false pride of enemy by acting as a Bunyan-um-Marsoos – a solid fortified wall” and paid tribute to martyrs “who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom”.
Calling it “not merely a military conquest, but also the victory of the validation of a Two-Nation Theory,” the PM vowed to “stand vigilant to defend and safeguard our national interests including water resources.”
While asserting Pakistan’s belief in “peaceful coexistence and resolving the regional and global issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” he urged India to “demonstrate the same will for the resolution of all disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.”
The premier also stressed the importance of economic stability for national defence, citing “the substantial reduction in electricity tariffs” and pledging to “mobilise all available resources” to meet economic, industrial, and technological challenges. “We all need to demonstrate the spirit of Marka-e-Haq and the Pakistan Movement,” he said.
President Asif Ali Zardari
President Asif Ali zardari said: “Let us rise beyond our divisions and stand together for a Pakistan that is built on justice, equality, faith, and service to all.”
The president linked the celebrations to the recent conflict, saying the nation marked the day “with a sense of renewed pride and hope as recently the nation had reaffirmed its strength, resolve, and unity in the face of external aggression.”
“Our success in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos is a landmark moment in our history. It was a demonstration of unshakable national will, professional excellence, and united purpose,” he said.
“Faced with unjustified Indian aggression, Pakistan responded with clarity, courage and restraint. The world witnessed a nation that was peace-loving, but fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the president added.
Calling it “more than military success,” Zardari said it was “a reminder of what we can achieve when we are united, focused, and committed to a common goal” and urged the nation to “channel this spirit into our economic revival, educational reform, technological advancement, institutional development, and environmental resilience.”
He also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), adding their courage and struggle for justice and their right to self-determination remained close to their hearts.
He further reiterated that Pakistan would continue to extend its unwavering diplomatic, moral, and political support until their right to self-determination is realized.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
“On our 79th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the nation. I pay tribute to the immortal sacrifices made by our forebears, affirming that Pakistan was born out of their indomitable spirit and devotion to truth. I reaffirm that our nation cannot be defeated as long as we stand united,” Dar said.
“I call on every fellow citizen to remain united, protect democratic values, and collectively contribute to building a strong, dignified, and prosperous Pakistan — for today and times to come,” he added.
He lauded the “resolve of our Armed Forces and our people who stood together to safeguard our sovereignty,” saying it reflected “formidable military readiness” and “a principled foreign policy that has earned widespread international support.”
“As we celebrate our independence day and Marka-e-Haq, we are reminded that freedom is preserved not only by defending our borders but also by upholding the principles of truth, justice, and dignity in our international engagements,” he added.
Military leadership
In a joint message, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu extended “heartfelt felicitations… on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day—marking the triumph of unity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to a shared vision for a brighter future.”
They reaffirmed “unwavering resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold the Constitution, and protect the values that define our national identity,” paying “solemn tribute to the visionaries, statesmen, and soldiers who laid our nation’s foundations.”
“The unbreakable bond between the Armed Forces and the people is the cornerstone of our collective strength,” the message said, urging all to “renew our resolve to strive for peace, progress, and unity, upholding the ideals of Faith, Unity, and Discipline.”
Andrew Gunn, died at his home in Toronto after a two-year battle with ALS at age 58.
Gunn carved out a remarkable career as one of Disney’s most trusted producers.
He delivered a slate of family comedies and reboots that defined the studio’s early 2000s live action era.
From Freaky Friday and Sky High to The Haunted Mansion and Cruella, Gunn’s productions blended heart, humor, and spectacle.
He left behind a filmography that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Let’s take a look at Andrew Gunn’s filmography highlights:
Eddie (1996)
Andrew Gunn’s Hollywood journey began with Eddie in 1996, where he earned an early co‑producer credit on the Whoopi Goldberg comedy.
This marked his official entry into film production and set the stage for his future career in family entertainment.
The Country Bears (2002)
In 2002, Gunn produced The Country Bears, a quirky Disney musical comedy inspired by the beloved theme park attraction.
While unconventional, the film became a cult favorite among Disney fans for its offbeat charm.
Freaky Friday (2003)
Gunn’s breakthrough came with Freaky Friday in 2003, the hit remake starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis.
The body‑swap comedy was a box‑office success and cemented Gunn’s reputation as a producer of family‑friendly blockbusters.
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
That same year, Gunn produced The Haunted Mansion, a Disney adaptation led by Eddie Murphy.
The film blended comedy with spooky visuals, bringing one of Disneyland’s most iconic rides to life on the big screen.
Sky High (2005)
In 2005, Gunn delivered Sky High, a superhero high school adventure that quickly became a fan‑favorite.
Its originality and charm earned it a cult following.
College Road Trip (2008)
Gunn continued his Disney streak with College Road Trip in 2008, a family comedy starring Martin Lawrence and Raven‑Symoné.
The film leaned into classic Disney chaos, following a father‑daughter road trip filled with mishaps.
Bedtime Stories (2008)
Also in 2008, Gunn produced Bedtime Stories, an Adam Sandler comedy where bedtime tales magically came to life.
The film mixed fantasy with family humor, appealing to audiences of all ages.
Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
In 2009, Gunn reimagined a Disney classic with Race to Witch Mountain, a sci‑fi adventure starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The reboot introduced the story to a new generation while honoring its roots.
Bad Santa 2 (2016)
Breaking away from Disney, Gunn produced Bad Santa 2 in 2016.
The dark comedy sequel showcased his versatility, proving he could succeed outside the family‑friendly mold.
Unhinged (2020)
In 2020, Gunn pivoted sharply into gritty adult storytelling with Unhinged, a psychological thriller starring Russell Crowe.
The film highlighted Gunn’s ability to tackle darker, more intense narratives.
Cruella (2021)
Gunn returned to Disney with Cruella in 2021, a stylish origin story of the infamous villain.
Emma Stone’s performance brought fresh energy to the franchise, and Gunn’s production gave the film its edgy, fashion‑forward flair.
Freakier Friday (2025)
Most recently, Gunn revisited one of his biggest successes with Freakier Friday in 2025.
The sequel to the beloved 2003 hit proved his enduring ability to breathe new life into fan‑favorite stories with a modern twist.
King Charles’s team seems to be taking a break from the ongoing royal crisis as they focus their energies towards something positive.
The Royal Collection Trust, a team dedicated to care and conserve the royal collection, marked a special occasion which celebrated the victory of good over evil. This particular sub-division of the Palace is also responsible for spotlighting historical works from history.
As Hindu Brits mark their annual religious festival of colour, the team decided to highlight the work painting from the late 18th century created by North Indian artists. They dubbed it as a “masterpiece of colour and devotion”.
“Happy Holi!” the statement began. “This vibrant Hindu festival celebrates love, spring, and the triumph of good over evil. In this fantastical scene, the god Krishna joins the gopis (female devotees) and a group of yogis for a joyful celebration in a forest grove.”
The painting comes from an album of Hindu deities as an apt tribute to the occasion.
The royal family has currently have been facing a slew of issues as King Charles is set to make a major decision. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s dark shadow continues to the follow the royals even though he has been removed from all ties.
There are growing calls from the public to remove Andrew from the line of succession and even though the royals have continued with their duties, there is a looming presence of the shamed ex-prince. This had been a pleasant break from the turmoil for the royals.
Maria O’Brien, the actress and long-serving acting coach best known for her 15-year tenure on Days of Our Lives and appearances in films including Protocol and Smile, has died at the age of 75.
She passed away on 24th February, though the cause of death was not revealed.
Born on 14th August 1950 in Los Angeles, O’Brien came from genuine Hollywood royalty.
Her father, Edmond O’Brien, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 1954’s The Barefoot Contessa, while her mother, Olga San Juan, was a musical comedy star who appeared in a string of films including Are You with It? and One Touch of Venus.
Maria followed them into the industry, landing her first onscreen credit in 1963 on the TV series Sam Benedict.
Over a career spanning six decades, she built up an impressive body of work across both film and television.
Her screen credits included The Incredible Shrinking Woman, Table for Five, and the 1984 Goldie Hawn comedy Protocol, and she made guest appearances on some of the most popular series of the 1980s and 90s, among them Magnum P.I., Murder She Wrote, L.A. Law, Matlock, CHiPs, and The Love Boat.
Along the way she shared scenes with Angela Lansbury, Lily Tomlin, Tom Selleck, Melanie Griffith, and Goldie Hawn.
She also won a Drama-Logue award in 1990 for her performance in Jean Genet’s The Maids at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.
In the late 1990s, O’Brien moved into coaching, joining the daytime dramas Sunset Beach and Passions before taking up her long-running position as acting coach on Days of Our Lives, a role she held until her retirement in 2022.
Away from the screen, she was a passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s research.
Her father had been among the first celebrities to be publicly diagnosed with the disease, and in 1983 O’Brien testified before Congress about its devastating impact.
Her advocacy played a meaningful role in securing government funding for research into the condition.
She is survived by her three children, Thomas, Danica, and Sean Anderson, and her sister Bridget O’Brien Adelman.
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