LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on Thursday the Punjab government will build Marka-i-Haq Monument, Park and a Museum dedicated to the “Battle of Truth”.

The CM made the announcement at a ceremony for veteran musicians at the Expo Centre. She sat among the musicians and applauded their performance. National songs were presented by singer Sahir Ali Bagga and others.

A special musical film on the Battle of Truth was screened along with a documentary on the (‘Marka-i-Haq’) monument, museum, and park.

Maryam met the ministers, diplomats from friendly countries, senior military as well as civil officials who attended the ceremony.

In her Independence Day message earlier, the CM urged parents to share with their children the stories of the freedom struggle and the protection of national independence.

“Aug 14 is not merely a day for celebrations, but a day to renew our pledge of loyalty to our land,” the chief minister said in a statement on the occasion of Independence Day on Thursday.

“We take immense pride in Pakistan being the first nuclear power in the Islamic world. Pakistan is a shining lamp whose light brightens the world,” she said and added that without Pakistan, “we are devoid of any identity and respect among the comity of nations”.

Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said that Aug 14 reminded Pakistanis of the sacrifices and the mass migrations that led to the priceless blessing of freedom. She said this day called for gratitude to Almighty Allah and a renewed commitment to national unity.

Commenting on the recent national achievements, the minister said the resounding success of Operation Banyan Al Marsoos had invigorated this Independence Day celebrations with a new sense of pride, courage, and determination.

She urged people to celebrate Independence Day with full passion and patriotic fervour, and also show utmost respect for the national flag. “Our flag is our identity. Do not let it fall to the ground. If you see it on the ground, pick it up with honour because it represents the sacrifices that brought us freedom,” she said.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2025

Opinion

Editorial

Fixing bond markets
Updated 01 Oct, 2026

Fixing bond markets

Pension funds, insurance companies, mutual funds, retail investors, and eventually, foreign investors must become bigger participants in the market.
Call centre rackets
01 Oct, 2026

Call centre rackets

A NUMBER of recent raids conducted by the authorities in different cities point to the growing threat fraudulent ...
Homeward bound
01 Oct, 2026

Homeward bound

FIVE months after Somali pirates captured an oil tanker carrying a 19-member multinational crew, Somali maritime...
Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...