ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The Yadgar-e-Fatah monument, constructed to honour the country’s martyrs and commemorate the decisive Marka-e-Haq, was inaugurated here on Thursday night as the national leadership pledged to safeguard the sovereignty of Pakistan at all costs. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially unveiled the monument during the country’s 79th Independence Anniversary, describing the structure as a ‘living symbol of the nation’s resolve, the professional excellence of the armed forces and their superiority over the adversary.

Leadership Attendance and Tributes

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf were also in attendance at the solemn ceremony. Addressing the event, President Asif Ali Zardari commended Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishar Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their successful efforts to protect and advance the national interests of Pakistan at the international level and for their work to unite Islamic countries.

Reflecting on recent diplomatic milestones, the President paid tribute to the leadership for facilitating the latest joint defence agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. He highlighted the commitment to global peace, noting that Pakistan continues to play a vital role in fostering unity among Islamic nations. The President explicitly condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, stating that such aggression is unacceptable and that Pakistan remains resolute alongside its allies against the expansionist agendas in the region.

Commitment to Sovereignty and Regional Stability

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that while Pakistan sincerely desires peace, it must not be mistaken for weakness. He declared that any future challenge to the country’s sovereignty and security would be met with force even greater than that displayed during the decisive victory of May 2025. “We do not want war; we want peace. But the desire for peace should not be taken as weakness. We stand for peace with honour and dignity,” the prime minister remarked. He also discussed the importance of national unity, much like that seen during the conflict. Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the strategic direction of the state and emphasized the role of international diplomatic engagement in securing the region.

Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, the Prime Minister issued a stern warning: “Every single drop of Pakistan’s water is our red line.” He also addressed the situation in Afghanistan, advising the Afghan leadership to prevent their soil from being used as a sanctuary for terrorism against Pakistan.

Symbolism and Architectural Significance

The ceremony featured a light and sound show titled “Dastan-e-Ishq-e-Watan: Marka-e-Haq,” which used projection mapping to depict the history of the conflict. A documentary screened at the event detailed the eight-month construction journey. The monument features five archways representing the five pillars of Islam, as well as the five pillars of the Pakistani state: the government, the military, the media, the people and the national ideology. The design also incorporates symbols representing the Army, Air Force, and Navy, alongside modern domains of cyber and space warfare. The event concluded with a flypast by the Pakistan Air Force, a flag-hoisting ceremony, and a celebratory fireworks display.