A dignified ceremony was held at the Pakistan Monument to mark the first anniversary of the “Battle for Truth” victory, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari addressed the gathering, highlighting national policy, defense strategy, and the regional situation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began his speech by expressing gratitude to Allah, calling the victory a result of national unity and the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces. He paid tribute to those who laid down their lives in defense of the country.
He said that India had made baseless allegations using the Pahalgam incident as a pretext, while Pakistan consistently called for peace and transparent investigations. Instead of responding positively, he added, India chose aggression, which was met with a strong and effective response by Pakistan’s armed forces.
Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan’s air power and missile capabilities proved decisive, saying the enemy’s pride was crushed and Pakistan’s stance was validated internationally. He also announced that May 10 would be observed annually as “Day of the Battle for Truth.”
The Prime Minister praised military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, along with naval leadership and all armed forces personnel, saying the nation takes pride in its defenders. He also thanked various countries and global leaders for their diplomatic support.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his address, called May 10 a bright chapter in the country’s history, stating that Pakistan gave a decisive response to Indian aggression. He highlighted the performance of the Pakistan Air Force, saying it demonstrated clear superiority.
The President also criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it “water terrorism,” and stressed that water is a lifeline for millions of Pakistanis and cannot be compromised.
He reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to peace but will firmly respond to any threat to its sovereignty. He also emphasized that resolving the Kashmir issue is essential for lasting peace in the region and urged the international community to play its role.
The event was attended by senior civil and military officials, diplomats, and a large number of citizens, with the atmosphere filled with national flags, patriotic slogans, and strong expressions of unity.
