A large gathering of religious scholars, interfaith representatives and social leaders in Karachi on Monday paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces while calling for national unity, peace and stability during a conference marking one year since Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.
The conference, titled Maarka-e-Haq Bunyan-un-Marsoos and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Conference, was organized by the Interfaith Council for Peace and Harmony in collaboration with Majlis Ulama Pakistan at a local hotel in Karachi. Speakers from different schools of thought and faith communities stressed the need for harmony and collective resolve in the face of regional tensions and security challenges.
The event was presided over by Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Pakistan and Khateeb of Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque, Ambassador of Peace Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, while Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi attended as the chief guest. A wide range of religious scholars and community figures addressed the conference, including Mufti Zubair Ashraf Usmani, Dr. Saeed Sikandar, Mufti Yousaf Kashmiri, Sardar Ramesh Singh, Allama Athar Hussain Mashhadi, Pandit Mahraj Goswami, Mufti Munir Ahmad Tariq, Mufti Faisal Ahmad, Maulana Asif Qasmi, Mufti Ata-ur-Rehman Qureshi, Qari Khalil-ur-Rehman Javed, Allama Shah Ferozuddin Rehmani, Qari Shamsuddin, Syed Azhar Ali Shah Hamdani, Mufti Muhammad Tariq, Laiq Ahmad Khan, Ameer Haider Laghari, Asad Shoaib, Farzana Shoaib, Pastor Suhail Bhatti, Bishop Abdanajo, Maulana Abid Israr, Sahibzada Hafiz Syed Muhammad Abdul Razzaq Azad, Pir Umar Farooq Shah, Maulana Bilal Golravi, Syed Muhammad Abdul Basir Azad and Ghulam Hussain Muhammadi. Addressing the audience, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said Pakistan’s armed forces had demonstrated resolve and preparedness in response to regional tensions over the past year.
Referring to the events surrounding Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, 2025, he alleged that India had attempted to create a pretext for confrontation with Pakistan. He said that Pakistan responded to what he described as Indian aggression through Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos on May 10, 2025, adding that the country had achieved what he called a “historic victory.”
He further claimed that recent remarks made by the Indian Army chief reflected “frustration and panic” on India’s part. Maulana Azad warned that any future aggression against Pakistan would provoke a stronger response than before.
He also praised Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry for defending Pakistan’s position and effectively presenting what he described as the sentiments of the nation in response to Indian statements.
The cleric also spoke at length about Pakistan’s military leadership, saying the leadership qualities and diplomatic efforts of Field Marshal General Hafiz Syed Asim Munir had gained international recognition. He credited the military leadership for promoting peace and maintaining national security amid regional instability.
“The entire nation salutes the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and martyrs,” he told participants, drawing applause from the audience. Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi, in his address, said Pakistan’s armed forces had displayed unity and strength under the leadership of Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Muhammad Asim Munir. He said the military had “forced the enemy into submission” and exposed what he described as India’s “ugly face” before the world.
The governor described the success of Maarka-e-Haq Bunyan-un-Marsoos as a blessing and praised the role of the armed forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.
He also highlighted the importance of national cohesion at a time of geopolitical uncertainty in the region. Other speakers at the conference echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Pakistan’s citizens stood united in defense of the country. They said national solidarity remained the strongest response to terrorism, extremism and hostile conspiracies.
