Myanmar celebrated the 78th Independence Day 2026, symbolizing the people’s enduring quest for lasting independence
Islamabad:- The 78th Independence Day of Myanmar was celebrated at a ceremony attended by Chief Guest Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for the Board of Investment, who joined Wuuna Han, Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, heads of ASEAN missions, and other dignitaries in a cake-cutting ceremony.
Chief Guest Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh highlighted that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Myanmar and expressed confidence that these ties will receive a further boost in the future
To address the Independence day ceremony, Ambassador of Myanmar, Wuuna Han expressed gratitude to the audience and emphasized his country’s desire to strengthen ties with Pakistan, voicing hope that bilateral relations would continue to grow in the days ahead.
Ambassador Wunna Han on the 78th Independence Day of Myanmar, we celebrate on the auspicious occasion of the 78th Anniversary of Myanmar’s Independence Day—a day that resonates deeply in the hearts of our people.
It is a day of remembrance, of pride, and of renewed commitment to the ideals of freedom, unity, and progress. Myanmar’s journey is rooted in a civilization that spans centuries.
From the golden spires of Bagan to the serene waters of Inle Lake, our land reflects a mosaic of traditions, languages, and faiths. Our cultural heritage is not only a source of national pride but also a bridge to the world—showcasing the resilience, creativity, and harmony of our people.
The arts of Myanmar—our classical dance, traditional crafts, and Buddhist architecture—stand as living testaments to a nation that treasures its past while embracing the future.
Enduring Bonds of Friendship with Pakistan On this day of celebration, we also reflect on the enduring friendship between Myanmar and Pakistan. Our ties are built on shared values of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and cooperation.
It is a proud historical fact that Pakistan was the very first country to recognize Myanmar. Diplomatic relations between our two nations were established on 14 August 1947—the very day of Pakistan’s independence.
Our first Ambassador, U Pe Khin, was the very first envoy to present his credentials to Quaid e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, when he was Governor General of Pakistan. On 4 January 1948, Myanmar’s Independence Day reception was held at the Karachi Club.
It was the very first Diplomatic National Day reception in Pakistan, with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah himself attending as Chief Guest. Our Ambassador U Pe Khin went on to serve as the very first Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Karachi for nearly ten years.
Our ties are not only diplomatic—they are cultural and historical. The last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was exiled to Rangoon (now Yangon) by the British in 1858.
He was a great Urdu poet, and his tomb is well preserved in the heart of Yangon, near the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Every Leaders from Pakistan who visited Myanmar have paid their tribute to him there. Since my arrival here, I have been deeply moved to see how Pakistan has preserved and promoted the Gandhara Civilization.
These sacred Buddhist heritage sites—Taxila, Swat Valley, Peshawar, and more—are truly invaluable. 2 Pakistan has stood as a partner in various spheres—education, trade, and people-to-people connections.
The warmth of our relations is evident in the way our communities interact, fostering goodwill and understanding. As two nations with rich histories and vibrant cultures, Myanmar and Pakistan continue to strengthen their bonds, contributing to peace and prosperity in Asia.
Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Myanmar envisions a future where: Cultural diplomacy deepens mutual appreciation between our two peoples. Economic collaboration expands opportunities in trade, investment, and technology. Educational partnerships empower our youth to become global citizens. Regional cooperation ensures stability, connectivity, and shared prosperity across South and Southeast Asia.
We believe that Myanmar and Pakistan, working hand in hand, can contribute meaningfully to a more peaceful and interconnected world. May the friendship between Myanmar and Pakistan continue to flourish. May our nations walk together on the path of progress, peace, and prosperity. Myanmar-Pakistan Dosti Zindabad.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
