logo
Victory celebrated at Wagah Border: Citizens shower flowers on Rangers as India skips ceremony

Victory celebrated at Wagah Border: Citizens shower flowers on Rangers as India skips ceremony

Express Tribune11-05-2025

Once again, the Wagah Border became a symbol of national unity and resolve. PHOTO: ASIF MEHMOOD
Listen to article
In a moment of national triumph, thousands of Pakistanis gathered at the Wagah Border on Sunday to celebrate what is being described as a historic and resounding victory over India. The crowd chanted patriotic slogans such as 'Allahu Akbar,' 'Long live Pakistan Army,' and 'Pakistan Zindabad,' as the atmosphere turned electric with emotion and pride.
The gathering included men, women, children, and the elderly, many waving the national flag and dressed in green and white, visibly moved by a deep sense of patriotism.
Although the Pakistan side's stadium is still under construction and usually restricts public attendance, the turnout was overwhelming—symbolising the nation's unity and support for its armed forces.
As the parade ended, citizens showered flower petals on the brave soldiers of the Pakistan Rangers Punjab. The troops were adorned with garlands and greeted with chants of 'We are proud of you.'
Elderly women kissed the foreheads of the soldiers in appreciation of their bravery and resilience. The Rangers stood tall, their eyes gleaming with pride.
Maryam, a student from Lahore, expressed her emotions saying, 'We are here to celebrate a glorious victory over India. I hope this ends Modi's warmongering fever.'
A young citizen, Hamza, added, 'Our army has shown not just India, but the entire world, that we Muslims fear none but Allah. India will now think a thousand times before threatening Pakistan again.'
Another woman participant said with resolve, 'India will never even dream of waging war with Pakistan again. Our army has taught the enemy a lesson that will be remembered in history.'
Parade Commander Nasir, while speaking to the media, recalled, 'Since tensions began with India, we've been on full alert. We've always said we fear no one but Allah. In 2019, we handed back Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan from this very border. Today, the enemy once again witnessed our strength.'
He added, 'Locals used to bring us food during the nights, and today they are offering not just flowers, but their hearts. This love strengthens our morale.'
Ranger soldier Ali shared a moving account, 'When hostilities began and India launched an initial strike, my mother called and told me: 'Don't be afraid. If you have to lay down your life for the homeland, do so without hesitation. Take a bullet on your chest, not your back. Otherwise, I won't bless you with my milk.''
'We Rangers are ready for martyrdom,' he affirmed. 'We will foil every conspiracy of the enemy.'
In stark contrast, the Indian side of the border was engulfed in silence. The stadium remained empty, and no BSF personnel participated in their customary parade. Only a quiet lowering of the Indian flag took place—a sight that seemed to underscore the unease within Indian ranks and the absence of public support.
Once again, the Wagah Border became a symbol of national unity and resolve. The celebrations went beyond military success—they reflected a collective commitment to sovereignty, sacrifice, and the spirit of a living nation. The message to the world was loud and clear: Pakistan's land, dignity, and freedom are non-negotiable.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

US says Trump keen to resolve Kashmir issue
US says Trump keen to resolve Kashmir issue

Express Tribune

time2 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

US says Trump keen to resolve Kashmir issue

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to China, former US Senator David Perdue, at the White House in Washington, DC, US on May 7, 2025. Photo: REUTERS Listen to article Pakistan's recent diplomatic outreach in Washington appears to be making headway, as the US Department of State on Wednesday reaffirmed President Donald Trump's stated willingness to engage on the Kashmir dispute. During a White House press briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce responded to a query regarding Trump's potential course of action following his earlier offer to mediate on Kashmir. "So, while I can't speak to his plans, the world knows his nature, and I can't speak to any details of what he might have in that regard," she said, noting that further comment would come from the White House. Bruce stressed the president's track record of initiating unexpected diplomatic dialogues, expressing optimism that progress on Kashmir was not beyond reach. "[Trump] has been the only one to bring certain people to the table to have conversations that nobody thought was possible," she said. "It shouldn't surprise anyone that he'd want to manage something like that," she added. The remarks coincided with a recent high-level Pakistani delegation visit to Washington, led by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Responding to a related question, Bruce confirmed that the delegation met with senior State Department officials, including Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker. According to Bruce, the discussions centred on bilateral ties, with emphasis on counterterrorism cooperation. "We also know that Deputy Secretary Landau met with the Indian parliamentary delegation last week, and he also reaffirmed the United States strong support of India in the fight against terrorism," she noted. Pakistan has launched a comprehensive diplomatic campaign in the United States to present its viewpoint on the recent escalation with India and to counter New Delhi's expanding lobbying footprint in Washington. The campaign includes outreach to US lawmakers, think tanks, and the media. Foreign Minister Bilawal, who led a nine-member team, visited New York and Washington from May 31 to June 6 before heading to London and Brussels. During the US leg of the trip, he held meetings with over a dozen members of Congress, including both the House of Representatives and the Senate. He also engaged with senior officials at the State Department, where he outlined Islamabad's concerns over India's aggressive posture, threats to the Indus Waters Treaty and incendiary rhetoric from the Modi-led government. Meanwhile, President Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office last week, doubled down on his claim of playing a key role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan during earlier flare-ups. "They don't give me credit for anything, but nobody else could have stopped it," he said.

Top US general praises 'phenomenal partner' Pakistan
Top US general praises 'phenomenal partner' Pakistan

Express Tribune

time2 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

Top US general praises 'phenomenal partner' Pakistan

Lieutenant General Michael Kurilla testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on his nomination to become Commander of Central Command during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, February 8, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE Listen to article In a stunning rebuke to the Indian attempts seeking Pakistan's international isolation, a top US general on Tuesday publicly praised Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner" in the global fight against terrorism and insisted Washington must not ignore Pakistan while pursuing strategic ties with India. The testimony of General Michael Kurilla, Commander Central Command (CENTCOM), was seen as a major diplomatic win for Pakistan at a time when India was trying to build a narrative that Islamabad was sponsoring terrorism. The testimony stands in sharp contrast to persistent efforts, particularly from Indian lobbying groups, to paint Pakistan as an unreliable partner in the fight against terrorism. Gen Kurilla's candid remarks not only validate Pakistan's ongoing sacrifices but may also recalibrate the tone of future US policy in South Asia. Gen Kurilla's statement before the House Arms Services Committee led to a meltdown in India where the media and commentators questioned the US loyalty. The CENTCOM chief terming ISIS-Khorasan the most active terrorist groups, said the Afghan Taliban went after them and pushed "a lot of them into the trial areas on the Afghan-Pakistan border". "Through a phenomenal partnership with Pakistan—they (Pakistan) have gone after ISIS Khorasan, killing dozens of them," he told lawmakers. "Through our relationship we have with them, and providing intelligence, they have captured at least five ISIS Khorasan high-value individuals. They extradited back Jafar, who is one of the key individuals behind the Abbey Gate bombing," he added. "And the first person [ ] the [Pakistani] chief of the army staff Munir [called] me and said, "I've caught him, ready to extradite him back to United States, please tell the Secretary of Defense and the President." "So, we are seeing Pakistan, with limited intelligence that we provide, and go after them using their means to do that, and we're seeing an effect on ISIS Khorasan," General Kurila said. "And I would also tell you that since 2024—the beginning—Pakistan has had over 1,000 terrorist attacks in the western area, killing about 700 security and [2,500] civilians. They have an active counterterrorism fight right now, and they have been a phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world." Gen Kurilla highlighted the staggering toll terrorism continues to take on Pakistan itself, citing over 1,000 terrorist attacks in 2024 alone—killing approximately 700 security personnel and 2,500 civilians. "They have an active counterterrorism fight right now," he stated. "And they've been a phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world." The CENTCOM chief emphasized that Pakistan's efforts over the last several months have severely degraded ISIS-K's capabilities. According to intelligence gained through interrogations and exploitation of captured militants, the terrorist group is currently at a "low point", though it still poses a transnational threat. "These are the same individuals that carried out the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow and the bombing in Kerman, Iran," Kurilla said. "There are even ties to plots against the U.S. homeland, which I can discuss in a classified setting." In a significant diplomatic note, Gen Kurilla rejected the idea that US relations in South Asia must be zero-sum between India and Pakistan. "It's not a binary switch," he asserted. "We can't have one with Pakistan if we have a relationship with India. We should look at the merits of the relationship for the positives that it has." Paul Kapur Paul Kapur, US President Donald Trump's nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday that he would prioritise security cooperation with Pakistan where it aligns with US interests. He also expressed intent to explore opportunities for enhancing bilateral collaboration in trade and investment, He previously served on the State Department's Policy Planning Staff during Trump's first term, where he played a role in shaping US strategy in South Asia. Kapur, an academic of Indian origin, acknowledged the region's volatility, referring to the recent escalation between India and Pakistan. He said the crisis was narrowly averted due to "intense engagement" by US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "If confirmed, I will pursue security cooperation with Pakistan where it is in America's interest," says Paul Kapur who is set to become Trump's top diplomat on South Asia. On Pakistan, he said that if confirmed, he would "pursue security cooperation where it is beneficial to US interests while seeking opportunities for bilateral collaboration in trade and investment." He noted that "South Asia recently avoided a costly conflict with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio intensely engaged on the issue." He added, "If confirmed, I will continue to promote long-standing US security interests with India and Pakistan through the pursuit of peace and stability and the fight against terrorism."

Investor confidence increasing due to govt policies: Azma
Investor confidence increasing due to govt policies: Azma

Business Recorder

time3 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Investor confidence increasing due to govt policies: Azma

LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that investors' confidence is rising due to government policies and the stock exchange is setting new records. Speaking at a press conference at DGPR alongside the Minister for Local Government, Azma Bokhari remarked that Pakistan is currently witnessing a season of positive developments. She said the government has provided substantial relief to salaried individuals by reducing their tax burden, and congratulated the Prime Minister for it. Despite IMF pressure, the federal government presented a balanced and people-friendly budget, she said. 'Those who were hoping for Pakistan's default are still unable to digest any good news that benefits the nation,' she said, adding 'The federal budget 2025-26 provides relief to the people, yet some elements wished that Pakistan would become like Sri Lanka and fail to secure the IMF programme.' Bokhari said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is the only party that cannot tolerate national progress. She said these same individuals are now running a 'March to Washington' campaign. Over the last year, the Punjab government has achieved significant successes, which these elements find hard to accept. On the day of the budget, the nation witnessed how PTI turned the National Assembly into a marketplace. Their approach has always been, do nothing, and prevent others from doing anything as well, she added. Azma highlighted that the exemplary cleanliness arrangements across Punjab during Eid-ul-Azha were widely appreciated by the public, with citizens offering prayers for the Chief Minister. However, some elements were bothered even by this success. She also mentioned that Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi requested the Punjab government to support cleanliness operations in other areas as well. Azma Bokhari criticised those who raise concerns about parliamentarians' salaries while ignoring the fact that the Prime Minister and Finance Minister draw no salaries. She urged the public to also consider when the last time parliamentary salaries were increased. 'The people like us from middle-class backgrounds are also involved in politics. Should we, too, start a business alongside politics?' she asked. She mocked Goher Ayub's post-defeat statement in Sumbariyal, where he claimed no campaign was run. 'The truth is that these people, along with their YouTubers, are only loud online. On the ground, they have no presence,' she said. She also remarked, 'The 'Field Marshal' is heading to the United States, but let it be clear, honour and disgrace lie in the hands of Allah — and Allah has honoured him greatly.' The Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said that during the three days of Eid, exceptional cleanliness arrangements were made across Punjab. The Chief Minister personally oversaw all operations for four days. A total of 315,669 animal remains were collected and disposed of within just three days — a record achievement, he said, adding: 'The 10-day cattle markets were established across Punjab with model arrangements. Around 12,000 public complaints were received and addressed promptly.' He acknowledged that the decision to outsource sanitation services initially drew criticism, but the government acted by issuing notices to companies where complaints of unpaid staff wages emerged. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store