• CM praises professionalism of army, navy and air force
• Large number of people gather at Seaview

KARACHI: The streets of Karachi were awash with green and white national flags on Thursday as jubilant crowds gathered under the banner of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party to commemorate Victory Day, celebrating the recent military triumph over India.

The celebrations were part of the party’s call to mark the day across Sindh to pay tribute to the armed forces.

In Karachi, scores of rallies were taken out in different city areas by jubilant crowds.

Carrying national and party flags and chanting slogans, the participants in cars, motorbikes and other mode of transport reached the venue of the main event — Seaview — where many of them danced to the tunes of national songs.

The emotionally charged rallies, organised by PPP’s Karachi division, culminated in a spectacular event at Nishan-i-Pakistan, where a large number of people thronged in a sea of flags, music, and spirited slogans.

Led by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, and party leaders, the celebrations were marked by a display of unity, high morale, and national fervour.

The event was a resounding tribute to the valour and professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces — army, navy, and air force — who, the PPP leaders said, had crushed Indian aggression in a matter of hours.

“Today, the butcher of Gujarat will think twice before casting an evil eye towards Pakistan,” declared Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah while addressing the charged crowd.

“Our armed forces turned India’s arrogance into dust. What they thought was a superpower has been exposed as nothing more than a heap of sand.”

The event featured an impressive 40-foot cultural float made by the Department of Tourism and Culture, showcasing artists performing patriotic songs that stirred the hearts of the crowd. The air echoed with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” as party workers danced and waved flags. Their spirits were lifted by the national melodies and the recent victory.

The chief minister lauded the efforts of Sindh ministers Saeed Ghani and Syed Zulfiqar Shah for orchestrating the event and said: “This day belongs to our brave armed forces and the resilient people of Pakistan,” he said. “Together, they have made our nation proud.”

Faryal Talpur’s tribute

Senior PPP leader Faryal Talpur, described the historic Victory Day as a symbol of Pakistan’s national unity, military valor, and political harmony.

“This win is the Almighty’s gift, and firstly of all, I would like to congratulate the entire nation on this great achievement,” she said. Ms Talpur denounced the Indian government’s cowardly action and belligerent attitude.

She paid tribute to President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, the Chief of Army Staff, all service chiefs, and especially the martyrs of the Pakistan Air Force.

Addressing the crowd, the local government minister Saeed Ghani praised the unity of the Pakistani people and the faith-driven courage of the military.

“In a few hours, our forces crushed the pride of the Gujarat butcher. This isn’t just military strength — it’s the fire of faith, belief, and love for the motherland,” he said.

Sindh’s Energy and Planning Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah echoed the sentiments, offering gratitude to the Almighty and honouring the sacrifices of the martyrs.

“Our victory is not only military, it is spiritual. We bow our heads in thanks and remember the heroes who gave their lives for this land,” he said.

Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Shah extended congratulations to the nation and pledged continued support for the armed forces.

“Our soil is sacred, and our army stands as its eternal guardian. Today, we are victorious because of their bravery and the nation’s unwavering support,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad and other senior leaders including Saadia Javed, Simta Afzal and Ali Rashid also addressed the rally.

As the evening concluded, a breathtaking fireworks display lit up the sky.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2025