Liaquat Bagh echoes with patriotism
Pakistani women leading a demonstration where they are carrying the Pakistani flag after the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, in Islamabad, on May 10, 2025. — AFP
A thanksgiving rally was organised by the district administration at Liaquat Bagh to celebrate Pakistan's historic military success and its strong response to Indian aggression.
The rally quickly transformed into a large public gathering, attended by Rawalpindi Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and other senior officials. A significant number of political leaders, youth, traders, lawyers, civil society members, and citizens participated in the event. The crowd danced to the beat of drums, and chants of "Long Live Pakistan" echoed throughout Liaquat Bagh.
Addressing the rally, PML-N leader Tahira Aurangzeb said that from Karachi to Khyber, the nation stands united with the armed forces. She praised Army Chief General Asim Munir for giving India a befitting response that, according to her, will be remembered for generations. "Whether it was 1965 or 1971, we always salute our armed forces," she added, emphasising that all political parties must unite. She clarified that Pakistan had no connection with the Pahalgam incident, stating that the Indian military action was responded to appropriately by Pakistan's forces.
General (retd) Abdul Qayyum, President of the Ex-Servicemen Society, also addressed the gathering. He lauded the Pakistani troops for crushing India's dream of "Akhand Bharat" and stated that those speaking against the nation and its military had faced disappointment. "There are good people in India too, but they are misled by Indian media," he said, adding that the courage and sacrifice of Pakistani soldiers had shown the world the spirit of true martyrdom.
General (retd) Qayyum recalled how Indian forces attacked Kashmir after Pakistan's creation, and how Pakistani soldiers, including the martyr Major Aziz Bhatti, defended the nation in the 1965 and 1971 wars.
He also mentioned Pakistan's nuclear tests in 1999 under the former Prime Minister, attributing the achievement to the collective resolve of the nation. "From every section of society, there are patriots ready to sacrifice their lives for the country," he declared.
He further stated that when India acquired Rafale jets, Pakistan's response with PL-15 missiles shook their confidence. He praised the media for presenting Pakistan's stance with dignity, especially in light of Indian actions like supporting BLA in Balochistan, launching Kulbhushan Jadhav, attacking the Samjhauta Express, and targeting Pakistani soldiers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the current conflict isn't just with India, but with broader adversaries including Zionist forces. "Israeli drones were seen, and their agents were even present in Srinagar. This is a defeat for Hindutva and Zionism, which they will not easily accept," he said, adding that even the US, Europe, and France acknowledge the developments from the battlefield. "France is mourning the loss of its Rafale jets," he added.
He urged people not to fear, quoting the Holy Quran: "Victory is yours, as long as your faith is strong." He affirmed Pakistan's commitment to the United Nations and the Vienna Convention, and said Pakistan must continue to stand with the oppressed people of Kashmir and Palestine.
The event at Liaquat Bagh was a major show of solidarity and celebration. Children, elders, students, traders, lawyers, and citizens turned out in large numbers.