PESHAWAR: Jubilant citizens continued taking out thanksgiving rallies across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the provincial capital, to show solidarity with the armed forces and celebrate the country’s triumph against Indian aggression.

Processions were taken out by different political and social organisations, culminating at the historical Balahisar Fort, serving as headquarters of the Frontier Corps.

One of the rallies was organised by Pakistan Peoples Party, which was led by former provincial minister Syed Zahir Shah.

Other rallies were organised by Tehreek-i-Jawanan Pakistan, Afwaj-i-Pakistan Movement, and several local organisations.

The participants were carrying flags of Pakistan and several of them were also dancing to drumbeats in jubilation.

They mostly said that armed forces had inflicted ‘crushing’ defeat on Indian forces and in future the latter would dare not attack Pakistan.

Personnel of police, security forces also attend gatherings

The PPP procession passed through different busy roads, while the participants raised slogans in favour of armed forces and against India.

The PPP leaders also eulogised services of former prime ministers late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, stating that they had played important role in development of Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

In Chitral, a thanksgiving day was celebrated on Sunday in connection with the ‘triumph’ of Pakistan against India during the recent conflict.

A gathering was held on the Atalique Bridge, addressed by Abdul Wali Khan Advocate, Niaz A Niazi, Mohammad Kausar, Din Mohammad Nadim and others.

Later, a rally was taken out from the venue, which culminated at the Chew Bridge.

Meanwhile, a similar programme was also held in Booni, the district headquarters of Upper Chitral, in which hundreds of enthusiasts participated to express their gratitude over the war ‘victory’.

In Bajaur, rallies were held on Sunday to celebrate Pakistan’s ‘historic victory’ over India in the recent conflict.

The main rally held as part of the ‘Youm-i-Tashakkur’ (Day of Gratitude), announced by the prime minister, was organised by the district administration.

People from different walks of life, including elders, traders, political and social activists, attended the rally, led by deputy commissioner Shahid Ali Khan.

District police officer Waqas Rafique and additional deputy commissioner Shahid Rafique also participated in the rally, which began from Civil Colony and concluded at the District Headquarters Hospital.

In Kohat, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl organised a rally at Zero Point of the Indus Highway to mark Pakistan’s ‘victory’ in the war imposed by India, expressing solidarity with the armed forces.

JUI-F district president Abdul Hayee termed India as an international terrorist, killing innocent people in occupied Kashmir.

The police and elders also participated in the rally.

Meanwhile, the Ulema Council of the Kohat division also held a function at a seminary to celebrate the ‘success’ of the country against India.

In Mohmand, a Yaum-i-Tashakur rally was held in Khakh Qandahro Bazaar area of Safi tehsil.

A large number of residents, personnel of police and security forces participated in the rally.

The participants expressed joy over Pakistan’s strong response to India’s aggression and reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Pakistan Army.

In South Waziristan, in a strong display of national unity and solidarity with the armed Forces, police in Lower South Waziristan organised a flag march on Sunday in response to recent Indian aggression.

The march was led by district police officer Khankhel Khan and witnessed participation of a large number of officers and personnel.

The flag march commenced from Wana Police Lines and proceeded through various parts of the city, culminating in Wana City Bazaar.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2025