The Karachi chapter of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Saturday organised a grand public celebration at Nishan-e-Pakistan, Sea View, to mark the first anniversary of Maarka-e-Haq (Battle for Truth) and pay tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces, martyrs and national defence institutions.
Thousands of citizens, PPP workers, elected representatives, women and children attended the event, transforming Sea View into a vibrant spectacle of patriotism, national songs, fireworks, laser light shows and cultural performances by renowned artists from across the country.
Senior PPP leaders, including Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Sindh PPP General Secretary Senator Waqar Mehdi, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani, members of the national and provincial assemblies, senators and party office-bearers participated in the gathering.
Addressing the ceremony, the CM said the event was not merely an anniversary celebration but a national festival symbolising Pakistan’s courage, unity and invincible defence capability.
PPP leaders paid glowing tribute to the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force, as well as to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the protection of the motherland.
The CM said Pakistan’s strong defence capability and strategic deterrence were the outcome of decades of sacrifices, vision and courageous decisions taken by the PPP leadership.
Referring to the country’s nuclear programme, the CM recalled that after the fall of Dhaka, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto convened the historic Multan conference of scientists and national experts, laying the foundation for Pakistan’s nuclear capability.
He said that despite immense international pressure and sanctions, Bhutto took the historic decision to initiate Pakistan’s nuclear programme in order to ensure the country’s survival and sovereignty in a hostile regional environment.
Shah also highlighted the role of Benazir Bhutto in strengthening Pakistan’s missile programme and modernising the country’s defence capabilities.
He stated that Benazir understood that nuclear capability alone was insufficient without an effective delivery system, and ensured an advanced missile technology for the country.
He added that Pakistan’s missile capability today serves as a strategic balance in the region and remained an enduring part of Benazir’s legacy.
The PPP had always prioritised national security above politics and had stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces whenever the country faced external threats, the CM said.
He also referred to the recent participation of President Asif Ali Zardari in the launch ceremony of the first Hangor-class submarine for the Pakistan Navy in China, describing it as reflective of Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its naval defence capabilities.
Shah also praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for forcefully presenting Pakistan’s case at international forums, in the global media and on diplomatic fronts.
The CM stressed that Maarka-e-Haq had once again demonstrated that Pakistan’s strength lied not only in weapons, but also in ideology, unity, sacrifice and collective national resolve.
The ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks display and enthusiastic chants in support for the country, its armed forces and the PPP.
