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ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated a 220-foot-high Victory Monument in Islamabad, commemorating what officials described as Pakistan’s historic victory in the Battle of Haq. The inauguration ceremony brought together the country’s civil and military leadership, including Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Senate chairman, National Assembly speaker, federal ministers, service chiefs and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Senior diplomats and representatives of the armed forces, civil armed forces and police from all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan also attended. The ceremony opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a presentation highlighting the construction and significance of the monument. President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently unveiled the monument. Addressing the gathering, President Zardari praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their role in the country’s military success and described the victory as a lasting symbol of the sacrifices made by martyrs and armed forces personnel. He said Pakistan remained committed to peace and that the international community recognized its contribution to regional stability. The president stressed that Pakistan did not seek confrontation and referred to his family’s historical connection with the Kashmir cause. He also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in promoting peace, including its role in facilitating the Iran-US ceasefire. Speaking about Gaza, he condemned the ongoing bloodshed and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address, said Pakistan desired peace rather than conflict but warned that its peaceful approach should never be interpreted as weakness. He said Pakistan had emerged as an important force for stability in the region and would continue working to prevent further conflicts. The premier also spoke about the Mecca Defence Agreement and Turkey’s participation in the arrangement, describing it as an important development for peace and security in the Middle East. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Palestinian rights and said the country’s position on Kashmir remained firm. Shehbaz Sharif urged the Afghan authorities to prevent terrorist elements from using Afghan territory against Pakistan. He also expressed appreciation for US President Donald Trump’s role in helping secure a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, saying the development had helped save millions of lives and expressing hope for stronger Pakistan-US relations. The prime minister called for national unity, saying differences should not turn into hostility and warning that no hostile force should underestimate Pakistan’s resolve. As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the national flag was hoisted at the monument shortly after midnight on August 14. The 220-foot flag was raised in the presence of senior civilian and military leaders, adding a symbolic dimension to the ceremony. At the conclusion of the event, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir presented President Zardari with a commemorative model of the Victory Monument. The monument is expected to serve as a prominent national symbol, reflecting Pakistan’s military history, the sacrifices of its armed forces and the country’s stated commitment to national unity, sovereignty and peace.

  Overseas Pakistanis have welcomed the proposal to create new provinces in the country, describing it as a positive step toward improving administrative efficiency, strengthening governance and bringing public institutions closer to citizens. Rajah Nasir Hussain, a representative of overseas Pakistanis and a prominent businessman from Gujar Khan, expressed his support for the proposal . He said the idea of creating seven provinces should be considered alongside the establishment of an eighth province comprising Islamabad and the Potohar region. According to Hussain, the creation of new provinces could help address administrative challenges and improve the delivery of public services. He stressed, however, that any decision regarding the creation of new provinces should be made through constitutional amendments and broad political consensus. He said the issue should not be treated as a matter of political rivalry or regional competition. Instead, it should be viewed as an administrative reform aimed at improving governance and ensuring that citizens in different parts of the country receive better access to state institutions and public services. Hussain also highlighted the important role played by overseas Pakistanis in the national economy. He said millions of Pakistanis living and working abroad contribute significantly to the country through remittances. The funds sent by overseas Pakistanis provide vital support to Pakistan’s economy and help strengthen the country’s financial system. He noted that overseas Pakistanis continue to make economic contributions despite living outside the country. Their remittances support families, increase foreign exchange inflows and contribute to economic stability. In his view, their role should therefore be recognised not only in economic terms but also through greater representation in the country’s administrative and political framework. Hussain argued that the government and political leadership should explore new mechanisms through which overseas Pakistanis can participate more effectively in national affairs. He said their experience of living and working in different countries gives them exposure to modern administrative systems, business practices and governance models that could potentially benefit Pakistan. He further suggested that overseas Pakistanis should have greater opportunities to contribute to policy discussions concerning economic development, investment, governance and administrative reforms. Their participation, he said, could help policymakers understand international practices and identify approaches that may be adapted to Pakistan’s circumstances. Regarding the proposed new provinces, Hussain emphasised the importance of consultation among all stakeholders. He said political parties, provincial governments, civil society, constitutional experts and representatives of the affected regions should be involved in the discussion before any final decision is taken. He maintained that the creation of provinces should be based on administrative requirements, population, geographical considerations, economic viability and the interests of local communities rather than short-term political objectives. The proposal to consider Islamabad and Potohar as an eighth province, he said, should also be examined within this broader framework. Such a move, if supported by constitutional and political consensus, could potentially improve administrative management and representation in the region. Hussain reiterated that overseas Pakistanis support reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s administrative structure. He said the debate over new provinces provides an opportunity to consider broader governance reforms while ensuring constitutional procedures and national consensus. He concluded that overseas Pakistanis should be regarded as important stakeholders in Pakistan’s future. Given their economic contributions and national role, developing effective mechanisms for their political and administrative representation should be considered a priority alongside wider institutional reforms.