(MENAFN) Pakistan announced on Wednesday the creation of an Army Rocket Force Command as the nation prepared to mark its 79th Independence Day.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the force during a ceremony attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and military contingents from Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

Sharif stated that the newly established rocket force, equipped with advanced technology and capable of striking in all directions, will significantly strengthen Pakistan’s conventional military capabilities. The country is observing Independence Day under the theme “Marka-e-Haq” (Battle for Righteousness), highlighting its “steadfast resolve, sacrifices and unity.”

“Pakistan is the only Muslim power and seventh nuclear power in the world,” the prime minister said, acknowledging contributions from both politicians and military figures, including Abdul Qadeer Khan, often regarded as the “father of Pakistan's nuclear program.”

Sharif emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal “is not for aggression, but we achieved these weapons for our defense against Indian nuclear weapons.” He also expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his role in achieving a ceasefire with India and thanked Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates for their support to Pakistan.

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