President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have inaugurated a new Victory Monument in Islamabad to commemorate what Pakistan describes as its success in the “Battle of Truth.”
The inauguration ceremony featured senior civilian and military leaders. It also highlighted national unity, patriotism and Pakistan’s commitment to defending the country.
The ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Organizers then presented a video about the construction and significance of the Victory Monument.
President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later formally inaugurated the monument.
Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker, Senate Chairman, Defence Minister, Foreign Minister and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also attended the ceremony.
President Zardari Praises Pakistan’s Military
Addressing the ceremony, President Asif Ali Zardari praised Pakistan’s armed forces and their leadership.
He said Pakistan had defeated India under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He described the Victory Monument as a lasting tribute to the country’s success, martyrs and veterans.
The president also stressed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability.
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He said the international community recognized Pakistan’s role in promoting peace. He added that Pakistan did not want war.
Zardari also referred to the situation in Gaza. He said the killing of civilians in Gaza was unacceptable and rejected the idea of a “Greater Israel.”
Prime Minister Says Pakistan Wants Peace
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan wanted peace but would not allow its desire for peace to be viewed as weakness.
He said Pakistan had emerged as a symbol of stability in the region. He also expressed hope that the international community would avoid new conflicts.
The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during tensions between the United States and Iran. He said Pakistan had played a role in facilitating a ceasefire between the two sides.
Shehbaz Sharif also referred to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. He described the agreement as a symbol of peace in the Middle East.
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Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Palestine and Kashmir
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s position on Kashmir. He said Pakistan would not allow the sacrifices of Kashmiris to go to waste.
Shehbaz Sharif also called on Afghanistan’s authorities to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan territory.
He thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire. According to the prime minister, the ceasefire helped prevent further loss of life.
He expressed hope that Pakistan-US relations would become stronger in the future.
220-Foot Pakistani Flag Raised
Following the speeches, Pakistan’s national flag was raised at the Victory Monument site at midnight on August 14.
The flag stands 220 feet high. Senior civilian and military leaders participated in the flag-raising ceremony.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also presented President Asif Ali Zardari with a commemorative model of the Victory Monument.
Civil and Military Delegations Attend
Representatives of Pakistan’s armed forces attended the ceremony alongside civil armed forces.
Police contingents from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also participated.
Police contingents from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan joined the ceremony as well.
Senior government officials, service chiefs and foreign diplomats also attended the event. Governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were among the other prominent participants.
The inauguration of the Victory Monument formed part of Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations. The ceremony also emphasized national unity, defence preparedness and the country’s stated commitment to peace.
