Islamabad, August 13, 2026: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the Yadgar-i-Fatah monument in Islamabad, built to honour Pakistan’s martyrs and commemorate what the government describes as the country’s victory during Marka-i-Haq.
The inauguration ceremony was held on the eve of Pakistan’s Independence Day and was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, along with senior military officers and government officials.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, performed by a military band, as the president, prime minister and military chiefs stood in respect. A large contingent of personnel from the armed forces, paramilitary forces and police also presented a guard of honour during the ceremony.
The monument features five prominent archways, symbolising the five pillars of Islam and what has been described as five key pillars of Pakistan: the government, military, media, people and national ideology. The structure also represents the country’s three armed services, along with cyber defence and space warfare.
A special light and sound show was presented during the inauguration, with moving images projected onto the monument depicting key moments from Pakistan’s history and military evolution.
The presentation also featured scenes from the May conflict with India, including footage depicting villagers and Punjab Rangers responding to Indian drones.
The ceremony concluded with a spectacular flypast by Pakistan Air Force fighter jets, which released flares over the monument against the night sky.
The Yadgar-i-Fatah has been established as a tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs and as a symbol of the country’s military resolve during Marka-i-Haq.
The state has referred to the conflict with India, which followed the April 22 Pahalgam attack and culminated in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos before a ceasefire on May 10, as “Marka-i-Haq”, or the “Battle of Truth”.
The inauguration came as Pakistan prepared to mark the 79th anniversary of its independence on August 14, with national ceremonies planned across the country.
