The Yadgar-e-Fatah Monument, commemorating Pakistan’s victory over India in the Marka-e-Haq Operation 2025 and paying tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country, was opened to the general public on Saturday.
A special ceremony jointly organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) was held at the monument’s premises, drawing people from different walks of life to celebrate what was described as a moment of national pride.
Speaking on the occasion, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil said the Yadgar-e-Fatah monument served as a landmark of the nation’s victory, anchored in courage and unwavering determination.
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He termed the opening of the monument a moment of pride for the nation and future generations.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including President Chess Federation Zeeshan Naqvi, emerging national cricketer Razaullah and well-known sports personality ‘Chacha Cricket’.
Razaullah paid tribute to the bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces and their sacrifices. He said the armed forces had defeated the enemy decisively in the past and would continue to do so in the future. He added that he felt immensely proud to be a Pakistani.
Chacha Cricket waves the national flag during the opening ceremony of the Yadgar-e-Fatah (Monument of Victory) in Islamabad on Saturday. Photo: APP
Chacha Cricket congratulated the nation on the “remarkable victory” in Marka-e-Haq and said the nation was ready to sacrifice its lives for the motherland. He said Pakistan had earned a prominent place in the world through its achievements.
A documentary was also screened at the ceremony, showcasing the eight-month construction journey of the monument and the concept behind its architecture and design.
The monument features five archways, symbolising the five pillars of Islam as well as the five pillars of the country — the government, military, media, people and the ideology underpinning the nation.
Its design also represents the three wings of Pakistan’s armed forces — the Army, Air Force and Navy — along with cyber defence and space warfare branches.
A projection-mapping show was presented on the monument, using lights and visuals to narrate its significance and highlight key moments associated with the country’s victory in the Marka-e-Haq Operation.
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A musical performance also drew appreciation from the audience, with two finalists of Pakistan Idol appearing on stage.
School and college students in uniform were seen taking pictures and making videos in front of the illuminated monument.
The Yadgar-e-Fatah monument will remain open to the public daily from 5pm to 10pm, except Mondays. Free entry tickets can be obtained through the website Yadgarefatah.net.
The monument was inaugurated by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier this year on the eve of Pakistan’s 80th Independence Day.
Pahalgam attack and Marka-e-Haq
On April 22, 2025, escalation between Pakistan and India began when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day, on April 23, 2025, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies.
Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, 2025, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Read More: French intelligence official confirms downing of Rafale by Pakistan
In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, 2025, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets.
On May 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense overnight diplomatic efforts. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.
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