Yadgar-i-Fatah monument inaugurated in Islamabad on eve of Independence Day

The Yadgar-i-Fatah monument, constructed to pay tribute to Pakistan's martyrs and Marka-i-Haq, was inaugurated by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Thursday night, preceding the country's 80th Independence Day. The ceremony, attended by the Chief of Defence Forces, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Naval Staff, was marked by a national anthem performance by a military band. Distinguished military officers and senior officials also attended the event.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the nation, congratulating them on Independence Day and emphasizing that under the Quaid-i-Azam's leadership, "We entered the realm of freedom from the darkness of slavery. Our elders sacrificed their lives and property. Yadgar-i-Fatah symbolises our resolve and determination and the domination of our armed forces over the enemy."

The premier praised the monument's design and the eight-month completion time, attributing its timely construction to Field Marshal Asim Munir's deep interest.

In his remarks, President Zardari highlighted the nation's military response to India's aggression, stating that "Pakistan's military response to Indian aggression demonstrated that we are not a small country for you to play with." He also paid tribute to the architects and engineers responsible for the monument's design, emphasizing its significance as a tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending the nation.

The marble monument, completed within eight months, features five archways representing the five pillars of Islam and Pakistan, as well as the three branches of the military and cyber-defence and space warfare. A light and sound show was presented during the inauguration, with moving images depicting Pakistan's military history and recent conflicts. Pakistan Air Force fighter jets also participated in the ceremony.