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

On the eve of Pakistan's 80th Independence Day, the Yadgar-i-Fatah monument was inaugurated in Islamabad. This monument pays tribute to Pakistan's martyrs and commemorates Marka-i-Haq. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were among the dignitaries in attendance. The CDF and C-in-C, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and other military leaders also attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his congratulations to the nation on Independence Day. He recalled that under Quaid-i-Azam's leadership, "we entered the realm of freedom from the darkness of slavery." The premier also mentioned the sacrifices made by our elders and how Yadgar-i-Fatah symbolizes the resolve and determination of the armed forces to dominate the enemy.

He praised the monument's sleek design and eight-month completion time, crediting Field Marshal Munir for his leadership during the conflict.

President Zardari emphasized the unity of the nation, the strength of the armed forces, and the sacrifices made by our people. He recalled his father's service in the 1948 Kashmir War alongside the Quaid-i-Azam. Both leaders warned India about its unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and threatened a strong response to any challenge to Pakistan's sovereignty. President Zardari also highlighted Pakistan's role as a peacekeeper in the region, stating that Pakistan will not be played with by any nation.

The marble monument, completed in just 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 as part of the inauguration, with moving images projected onto the monument depicting Pakistan's military history and the war last year.