ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the nation on Independence Day, saying Pakistanis are celebrating the occasion under the shadow of a “historic victory” and paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom.
Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister said the nation was grateful to Allah for blessing it with an independent homeland, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s founding generation.
Shehbaz said the “Victory Monument” symbolised the nation’s determination and courage, as well as the skill and superiority of its armed forces. He said the success in “Marka-e-Haq” had raised the nation’s pride.
Congratulating the nation on what he described as a great victory, the prime minister paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying Pakistan’s armed forces defeated the enemy under his leadership.
He said the ‘Victory Monument’ had been constructed in just eight months due to the Field Marshal’s personal interest and described it as a symbol of national unity.
“We want peace, not war, but our desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness,” Shehbaz said, adding that Pakistan would stand for peace with honour and dignity.
The prime minister warned that the enemy would always remember its “humiliating defeat” in Marka-e-Haq. He also declared that every drop of Pakistan’s water was a red line and warned India that Islamabad would give a “befitting response” if New Delhi failed to return to the right path.
Shehbaz said providing new opportunities for development to the younger generation remained a key priority, adding that Pakistan had become a symbol of stability in the region.
He said Pakistan wanted to see the region and the wider world free of conflicts and urged Afghanistan’s leadership to prevent its territory from being used as a safe haven for terrorists.
The prime minister said Pakistan had played a role in efforts to end the Iran-US conflict, adding that Field Marshal Asim Munir’s historic contribution would always be remembered.
He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of Kashmir, saying their sacrifices would not be allowed to go in vain and that there would be no compromise on the water issue. He said Pakistan would continue its moral, political and diplomatic support for Kashmiris.
Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled position on the rights of Palestinians.
He praised US President Donald Trump’s role in the Pakistan-India ceasefire, saying Pakistan-US relations were expected to become stronger in the future.
The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s close ties with China, describing the friendship as “higher than the Himalayas and stronger than a rock.” He said China had stood by Pakistan like a rock during difficult times.
Calling for greater national unity, Shehbaz urged the people to set aside their differences, end hatred and promote brotherhood, saying the unity demonstrated by the nation during the days of conflict must be preserved.
Earlier, a grand opening ceremony of Yadgar-e-Fatah (Victory Monument) was held in Islamabad, with the event showcasing national pride, patriotism and the country’s resolve to defend its sovereignty.
Contingents of the Pakistan Armed Forces participated in the ceremony alongside personnel from the civil armed forces.
President Asif Ali Zardari was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of Yadgar-e-Fatah in Islamabad. His arrival at the ceremony was announced with a ceremonial bugle call.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also arrived at the venue alongside the president.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and other senior civilian and military officials attended the ceremony.
The services chiefs, federal ministers and foreign diplomats were also present. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Atta Tarar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attended the event.
Later, President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz jointly inaugurated Yadgar-e-Fatah. Field Marshal Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker, Senate chairman, defence minister, foreign minister and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were also present during the inauguration.
Contingents representing Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan also took part in the ceremony, reflecting the unity and solidarity of the four provinces.
The event featured a strong display of national spirit and paid tribute to the sacrifices and services of Pakistan’s armed forces and security personnel.
The ceremony showcased national unity, solidarity and cohesion, with Yadgar-e-Fatah presented as a symbol of Pakistan’s history, the victory in the Battle of Truth, the sacrifices of martyrs and veterans, and the nation’s unwavering resolve.
Ceremonial contingents participating in the event also represented national unity and solidarity.
A documentary highlighting the construction of Yadgar-e-Fatah was also screened during the ceremony.