Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recalled the “historic” response of Pakistan to India during Marka-i-Haq on Sunday as he addressed a ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad to commemorate the conflict’s first anniversary.
The conflict with India — starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos with a ceasefire between the two countries on May 10 — has been called “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth) by the state.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir were among those attending the ceremony in Islamabad, where Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Baber Sidhu were also present.
PM Shehbaz began his address by observing one minute of silence for those martyred during the period of conflict.
Recalling the conflict, PM Shehbaz said that India “using Pahalgam as an excuse, made baseless accusations against us”. And despite Pakistan offering a transparent investigation into the incident, the “enemy, in the dark of the night, attacked our mosques and children, imposing an unprovoked war on us”.
“Our brave armed forces gave a historic response to the attack that the enemy carried out in the darkness of the night,” he said, adding that “our Shaheens dominated the conflict”.
Consequently, he continued, India was compelled to request a ceasefire after four hours.
He also noted that even one year after the Pahalgam attack, India had not been able to present any evidence of Pakistan’s alleged involvement in the incident.
“There is no doubt that Operation Bunyanum Marsoos is not just a historic win but also a glowing victory of our national honour, principles and self-respect,” he added.
The premier announced that ‘Youm-i-Bunyanum Marsoos’ would be celebrated on May 10 every year from now onwards.
He paid tributes to the armed forces, particularly mentioning CDF Munir, who he said had set new examples of “bravery and courage” during Marka-i-Haq.
“Field Marshal’s wise and brave leadership will be written in golden words in history. Field Marshal Asim Munir, the entire nation and I salute you,” PM Shehbaz said.
He added that this “tale of bravery will remain incomplete without the mention of ACM Sidhu and his Shaheens … who laid bare the reality behind the claims of the adversary’s aerial power. ACM Sidhu, I also pay tribute to you and congratulate your Shaheens from the bottom of my heart.”
PM Shehbaz also lauded the country’s navy and its chief, saying that the adversaries could not “muster the courage to enter our waters” during Marka-i-Haq.
He then acknowledged the support of the people extended to the armed forces during the conflict, as well as that of the “brotherly and friendly countries” for Pakistan on the diplomatic front.
The prime minister particularly thanked US President Donald Trump, who he said played a “historic role for peace in the region and to save millions of lives”.
He said had the situation worsened and things escalated further between two nuclear-armed nations, “it is not difficult to assess how disastrous the outcome would have been”.
PM Shehbaz also specifically expressed gratitude to the leadership of Saudi Arabia, China and Turkiye.
The premier also mentioned Pakistan’s efforts for de-escalation between the US and Iran. “Our sincere efforts continue, and Field Marshal was telling me a while ago that we have received Iran’s response”.
“I cannot go into more detail. I commend the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and congratulate Field Marshal Asim Munir, who has dedicated himself [to this cause],” he added.
He then lauded the armed forces for their fight against terrorism and concluded his address by promising the youth more opportunities for education and employment, and to learn skills.
‘Calibrated and shocking response’
Speaking after him, President Zardari dubbed Marka-i-Haq “one of the most important chapters” in Pakistan’s national history.
He added: “India chose unprovoked aggression on the basis of false flag Pahalgam incident, and launched an airstrike on Pakistan’s civilian and worship places without any justification. And India’s media misled the nation by presenting fabricated stories”.
To that, Pakistan gave a “calibrated and shocking response to the Indian aggression” under the “dynamic” leadership of CDF Munir, he said.
President Zardari maintained that despite its military capabilities, Pakistan chose to exercise restraint. “Our response was mature and measured, being a responsible and peace-preferring state”.
He said the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) proved during Marka-i-Haq that they were second to none.
“Our pilots faced a larger adversary, but with its extraordinary skills and confidence, it defended our skies,” President Zardari said, recalling that Pakistan downed eight Indian aircraft, “delivering a response that became a defining moment of the resolve and national pride”.
He also commended the Pakistan Navy, which he said, “through their operational preparation and combat capabilities, defended our seas”.
The president said Pakistan’s victory reflected the nation’s unity and harmony and gave a message to the world: “that we remain united, vigilant and resolute like a wall.”
The president said India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam incident amounted to “hydro-terrorism”.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s diplomatic support for the people of the India-occupied Kashmir and their cause, stating that the issue “needs to be resolved in accordance with UN resolution”.
Moreover, he also called for an end to the “India-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan through Afghanistan” and the use of Afghan soil for terrorism in its neighbouring countries.
Concluding his address, the president remarked that the diplomatic efforts of CDF Munir and PM Shehbaz had earned Pakistan the reputation of a “regional stabiliser”, particularly concerning its mediatory role in the US-Iran conflict.
“I want to conclude by underlining that Pakistan’s armed forces are capable and always ready to defend our sovereignty and national interest in the face of any challenge,” he said.
The ceremony began with a march past and the recitation of the Holy Quran.
A fly past was also planned but had to be aborted due to bad weather.
Patriotic songs were also performed during the ceremony.
Rallies and events in Azad Kashmir
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), rallies, seminars, exhibitions and cake-cutting ceremonies were held on the occasion.
The day’s first major event was a rally organised by the Working Committee of post-1989 migrants from India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad. Participants carried Pakistani and AJK flags and banners bearing slogans such as “We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is ours”.
“Kashmiris have pinned their hopes on a strong and stable Pakistan, and the current military leadership has made them happy by inflicting a humiliating defeat on their tormentor, India,” said rally leader Uzair Ghazali.
Separately, acting AJK president Chaudhry Latif Akbar and Chinar Division General Officer Commanding (GOC) Maj Gen Zarrar Mahmood inaugurated a Pakistan Army exhibition of defence equipment as part of the Victory Day celebrations commemorating the success in Marka-i-Haq.
The exhibition showcased modern weaponry, communication systems, combat vehicles and other military hardware, attracting large crowds, particularly young visitors.
Akbar and the GOC also hoisted the national flag and laid a floral wreath at the martyrs’ memorial at Chhatar Chowk, where a Pakistan Army contingent presented a salute. A special message from Field Marshal Munir was also read out on the occasion.
In Kotli district, a large rally and public gathering were held in Fatehpur Thakyala, attended by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam as the chief guest.
“The battle of truth crushed India’s arrogance and, by the grace of Allah Almighty, elevated Pakistan to new heights of dignity, honour and prestige,” he said.
He described residents living along the Line of Control as “unpaid soldiers of Pakistan” who had always stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces during difficult times.
“I do not have enough words to repay your love and affection. I am indebted to your passion and devotion. Our brothers living on the LoC deserve the highest tribute,” he added.
Rallies were also held at district headquarters across AJK, while educational institutions and government offices organised special events, including cake-cutting ceremonies and prayers for Pakistan’s strength and the early freedom of Kashmiris from Indian occupation.
In Kabul, Pakistan’s ambassador Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to defend itself against any aggression, stating that the “enemy attacked the nation and the armed forces of Pakistan responded valiantly on behalf of every Pakistani”. Paying glowing tribute to the armed forces, Ambassador Nizamani affirmed that the nation stands eternally indebted to their sacrifices.
A statement issued by the embassy further quoted him as saying: “Pakistan’s desire for peace must never be mistaken for weakness.”
Additional reporting by Tariq Naqash
