President Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif Inaugurate Victory Monument in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the Victory Monument in Islamabad, established to commemorate what the government describes as Pakistan’s remarkable success in the Marka-e-Haq.

The monument, described as a blend of modern technology and architectural excellence, is intended to preserve and showcase the story of the Marka-e-Haq for future generations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif were also present at the inauguration.

The Victory Monument features a permanent state-of-the-art projection-mapping system based on 120,000-lumen technology. The system will combine lighting, music and architectural visuals to create multimedia presentations on the monument.

The inauguration ceremony reflected national spirit, patriotism and the resolve to defend the country. It began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a video presentation narrating the story behind the construction of the monument.

Contingents of the armed forces and civil armed forces participated in the ceremony. Police contingents from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, along with police contingents from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, also took part.

The ceremonial contingents represented national unity, solidarity and cohesion. The Victory Monument was presented as a symbol of Pakistan’s national history, the success of the Marka-e-Haq, and the sacrifices and determination of the country’s martyrs and veterans.

A bugle call announced the arrival of President Zardari, who was the chief guest at the ceremony. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir also attended the event.

Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani, Speaker of the National Assembly, federal ministers, foreign diplomats, service chiefs, Director General ISPR and senior civil and military officials were among the dignitaries present.

Governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also attended the ceremony, along with Federal Ministers Abdul Aleem Khan, Mohsin Naqvi and Atta Tarar and other prominent figures.

The ceremony highlighted themes of national unity, solidarity, patriotism and remembrance of the sacrifices made in the defence of Pakistan.