Pakistan Inaugurates Victory Monument Amid Warnings to India

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Yadgar-e-Fatah monument in Islamabad on the eve of Pakistan's Independence Day. The monument commemorates Marka-e-Haq, a May 2025 military conflict in which Pakistan defeated India following the Pahalgam attack. During the ceremony, the leaders praised the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff.

Prime Minister Sharif used the event to issue a stern warning to India, declaring that any attempt to deprive Pakistan of its water supplies or the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty constitutes a red line. He stated that any future challenges to Pakistan's sovereignty and security would be met with a strong response. Sharif also urged Afghan leadership to ensure their territory is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's support for an independent Palestine and rejected the vision of a Greater Israel, criticizing Israeli actions in Gaza. The celebrations concluded with the hoisting of the national flag at midnight to mark Independence Day, accompanied by nationwide festivities including fireworks and gun salutes in cities such as Muzaffarabad. The United States extended formal congratulations to Pakistan, noting bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and counterterrorism.