Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday declared every drop of Pakistan’s water a “red line” and warned India of a direct response if it did not change course, while reiterating that Islamabad wanted peace and stability in the region.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Yadgar-e-Fatah monument in Islamabad on the eve of Independence Day, the prime minister said Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness.
Shehbaz said the monument commemorated the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs and the country’s success in Marka-e-Haq. He paid tribute to Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the armed forces for their role during the conflict.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir jointly inaugurated the monument. The ceremony was attended by the service chiefs, federal ministers, foreign diplomats, parliamentary leaders and other senior civilian and military officials.
Contingents of the armed forces, civil armed forces and police from all four provinces, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, participated in the ceremony.
Shehbaz said Pakistan had emerged as a force for stability in the region and wanted the world to remain protected from new conflicts. He also referred to Pakistan’s diplomatic role in regional peace efforts and expressed hope that relations with the United States would continue to strengthen.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and its position on Kashmir, saying the sacrifices of Kashmiris would not be allowed to go in vain. He also urged the Afghan government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism.
Calling for national unity, Shehbaz said no power could defeat a united nation and urged political and social differences not to turn into hostility.
President Zardari, addressing the ceremony, said Pakistan remained committed to peace efforts and that the international community recognised the country’s role in promoting regional stability. He also praised the armed forces under Field Marshal Munir for their response during the conflict with India.
Zardari condemned the situation in Gaza and said the Yadgar-e-Fatah would serve as a lasting tribute to the martyrs and those who defended the country.
The monument, completed in eight months, features five archways representing different pillars of national strength and elements of Pakistan’s defence capabilities. A light and sound show was held during the ceremony, followed by a Pakistan Air Force flypast.
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