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Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Op victory' celebrated at Wagah
Jubilant crowds at Lahore's Wagah Border hail the armed forces with chants and petals, celebrating Pakistan's resounding triumph in Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos, as India quietly skipped the traditional ceremony. PHOTO: EXPRESS Thousands of citizens gathered at the Wagah Border on Sunday to celebrate the historic and decisive victory over India, following Pakistan's retaliatory Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos in response to New Delhi's aggression. Chanting slogans of "Allahu Akbar," "Long live Pakistan Army" and "Pakistan Zindabad," the emotionally charged crowd, comprising men, women, children and the elderly, waved national flags and donned green-and-white attire in a display of patriotic unity. Despite the stadium on the Pakistani side being under construction and typically closed to the public, the turnout was overwhelming. At the conclusion of the parade, citizens showered flower petals on personnel of the Pakistan Rangers Punjab. Soldiers were welcomed with garlands and greeted with chants of "We are proud of you". Elderly women embraced and kissed their foreheads as a gesture of appreciation for their service. Maryam, a student from Lahore, shared her emotions: "We are here to celebrate a glorious victory over India. I hope this ends Modi's warmongering fever". "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 young participant, Hamza, added. "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," a woman in the crowd said while echoing the sentiment. Parade Commander Nasir, speaking to media personnel, said that since tensions began with India, the forces have been on full alert. "We've always said we fear no one but Allah". He recalled that in 2019, Pakistan returned Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan from this very border. "Today, the enemy once again witnessed our resolve." "Locals used to bring us food during the nights. Today, they're offering not just flowers, but their hearts. This love strengthens our morale," He added. Ranger soldier Ali recounted a powerful memory: "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 your 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. We will foil every conspiracy of the enemy." In sharp contrast, the Indian side of the border was marked by silence. The stadium stood empty, and no BSF personnel conducted their usual parade. Only a quiet lowering of the Indian flag took place, a subdued image that appeared to reflect a lack of public participation and internal unease.
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Victory celebrated at Wagah Border: Citizens shower flowers on Rangers as India skips ceremony
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.
Express Tribune
04-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Tensions fail to dampen zeal at border ceremonies
Fearless poise, fierce glares, and signature moustache twirls — these are the hallmark of Pakistan Rangers soldiers who participate daily in flag-raising and lowering ceremonies at joint border posts. Amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, the atmosphere at these events has become especially charged – brimming with national zeal and thunderous slogans echoing across the Wagah and Ganda Singh Wala borders. More than a ceremonial tradition, these parades serve as a powerful message: Pakistan stands united, vigilant, and ready to respond to any aggression. On Sunday, thousands of Pakistanis braved the ongoing regional strain and flocked to both borders to witness the Pakistan Rangers Punjab in action. At Wagah, the energy was electric. Chants of "Allah-o-Akbar" and "Pakistan Zindabad" reverberated through the crowd as families, including mothers with infants, gathered in large numbers. The border became a vibrant stage for national unity and patriotic fervour. Pakistan Rangers Punjab stole the show with their commanding performance. Their powerful stomps and synchronised manoeuvres stirred national pride and appeared to evoke a similar response from Indian troops on the other side. A similar spirit thrived at the Ganda Singh Wala border in Kasur district. Though the scale was more modest compared to Wagah, the enthusiasm was no less. Spectators witnessed a compelling show of military discipline and a symbolic exchange of body language between Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. Because of heightened tensions, the zero-line barrier at Ganda Singh Wala was not removed, and the ceremonial flag-lowering did not include the usual cross-border interaction. Citizens expressed pride and national fervour during the event. "These scenes fill our hearts with joy," said one attendee. "Every Pakistani stands ready not only with words but with action, if the enemy dares challenge us." A Lahore resident meanwhile showered rose petals on the Rangers, while on the Indian side of Ganda Singh Wala, the stands remained largely empty. On the eastern edge of Lahore, just before sunset each day, the daily flag-lowering ceremony between Pakistan Rangers Punjab and India's BSF at Wagah becomes the stage for a stirring display of national pride, discipline, and unity. Here, the ceremony is being held without interruption since August 14, 1959, but now it has evolved beyond a military ritual into a powerful expression of patriotism and public solidarity. People from across the country gathered at the border, turning the event into a national spectacle. "When the national flag is lowered, my heart races with emotion," said an elderly man. "Every Pakistani here feels like a soldier." A woman attending the ceremony remarked: "Coming here, you realise we are not Sindhi, Baloch, Punjabi, or Pashtun. We are Pakistanis firstand that is our true identity." A visitor from Karachi added, "We are not intimidated by threats. If war is imposed on us, we will prepare even our children will defend the motherland. This land is the fruit of our forefathers' sacrificeswe will not let it be harmed." India on April 24 curtailed the participation of the people in the ceremony on its side and was keeping the gates shut. In contrast, Pakistan has continued to uphold the tradition with full vigour, sending a clear message to the world: the spirit of this nation cannot be broken.
Express Tribune
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Cross-border visitors left in the lurch
The recent steps and countermeasures taken by India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack have taken citizens of both countries by surprise, forcing many to cut short their visits and return home abruptly. Several Pakistani families were turned back at the Wagah border after India unexpectedly cancelled their visas. Among those affected was a Sikh family from India who had traveled to Pakistan to attend a wedding. Their visit was cut short, leaving several traditional wedding rituals incomplete. On Thursday, 28 Pakistani nationals returned from India, while 105 Indian citizens residing in Pakistan crossed back into India. Reports indicate that India has asked all Pakistani citizens holding general visas to leave the country by May 1. Those holding SAARC visas have been granted only 48 hours to exit. A Hindu family from Sibi, Balochistan, also had to return after being denied entry into India. They were en route to Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to attend a wedding. "Seven members of our family were excited to join our relatives in India and take part in the celebrations," said Akshay Kumar, a family member. "But upon reaching Wagah, we learned that the border had been sealed. We will now spend the night at Dera Sahib in Lahore and head home tomorrow." Similarly, Sardar Raminder Singh, a member of the Sikh wedding party from India, said: "We had come to Pakistan for a wedding. While the ceremony took place, several important rituals remained. Once we heard the border was closed, we decided to return immediately. The groom will also leave in a few days." Families with cross-border ties often bear the brunt of rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The current situation is especially difficult for Pakistani Hindu families who previously migrated to India and were granted No Objection Return to India (NORI) visas. These families now face uncertainty and delays due to border restrictions. Another Hindu family from Ghotki, Sindh, who had been residing in New Delhi, also encountered complications. They had returned to Pakistan two months ago to meet relatives and perform religious rites. Indira, a family member, stated: "There are five of us, including my young son and daughter, uncle and aunt. We all hold Pakistani passports and were granted NORI visas by India. But now, we are being denied re-entry." With tensions between Pakistan and India once again on the rise, human connections across borders are becoming the first casualty. The closure of the Wagah-Attari border has left many families in limbo, uncertain when they will next reunite with their loved ones. Meanwhile, Indian authorities have announced significant restrictions on the traditional flag-lowering ceremony held daily at the Wagah/Attari border. Citing security concerns following the Pahalgam attack, India's Border Security Force (BSF) has decided to curtail joint activities with Pakistan Rangers Punjab at multiple border points. According to official sources, the BSF has informed Pakistan Rangers about changes to the long-standing ritual, which is a symbol of military discipline and national pride observed every evening at the Wagah, Ganda Singh, Hussainiwala, and Head Sulemanki border crossings.
