Pakistan has launched a formidable new military unit, the Army Rocket Force Command, announced during a grand Independence Day ceremony on Wednesday night at Jinnah Sports Stadium. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the force as a “key milestone” in strengthening Pakistan’s combat capabilities, equipped with advanced technology to enhance conventional warfare readiness. The announcement came as the nation celebrated its 78th Independence Day, reflecting on a recent four-day military confrontation with India in May 2025.

Drawing inspiration from China’s People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, the new unit will centralize Pakistan’s missile capabilities, including ballistic, cruise, and potentially hypersonic missiles, to ensure precision and power in conventional conflicts. While details remain limited, a senior official indicated the force operates under a dedicated command to counter India’s growing military prowess, particularly following the recent cross-border clash.

The event, attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and dignitaries from allied nations like China, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, also celebrated Pakistan’s claimed success in the May conflict. Sharif praised the armed forces for their swift response during India’s Operation Sindoor, launched May 7 to target terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.

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Sharif thanked US President Donald Trump for facilitating a ceasefire, though India maintains the truce was secured through direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations. He also acknowledged support from allies—China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, UAE, and Iran—during the tensions.

Sharif called for national unity to safeguard Pakistan’s interests, emphasizing that the proposed economic charter is a broader framework for national progress. He highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror, with 90,000 lives lost and $150 billion in economic damages, while noting recent economic gains, including inflation dropping from 34% to 5% and interest rates from 21% to 11%.

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