LAHORE: (Friday, August 14, 2026): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali has said that Maarka-e-Haq, Islamabad talks, Makkah Defence Accord have made Pakistan a new global power. He said that Pakistan has also emerged as a peacemaker on the world stage and helped save the world from a great war. He was addressing a flag-hoisting ceremony organized by Punjab University to mark the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan. PU Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mahmood Saleem, Registrar Dr. Ahmad Islam, faculty members, administrative officers, employees and their families participated in the ceremony. Addressing the gathering, PU VC Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali said that Independence Day was a day of renewing our commitment and making promises to our homeland. He said that Pakistanis had always been proud of being Pakistani, adding that “we exist because Pakistan exists.” He said that we were at such a historic juncture that no matter how much we expressed our pride in Pakistan, it would still not be enough. He said that the “Battle of Truth” in May 2025 had raised Pakistan’s stature across the world. He said that the Makkah Agreement was a major achievement for Muslim countries and Pakistan. He added that Pakistan was now moving towards progress, for which the Pakistani leadership deserved congratulations. Paying tribute to the Armed Forces of Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali said that the nation was proud of its martyrs, veterans and leadership. He reaffirmed that PU would continue to play its role in the development and progress of the country. Later, PU VC inaugurated the plantation campaign by planting a sapling. A special prayer was also offered for the security, prosperity and progress of the country.