Reiterating commitment to defend Pakistan, says Marka-i-Haq has renewed national pride and strengthened resolve
Pakistan’s armed forces on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to defend the country, warning that any hostile intentions would be met with greater force, precision and determination, as the nation celebrated the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq.
The term “Marka-e-Haq” refers to the 2025 conflict with India, which began with the Pahalgam attack on April 22 and concluded with a ceasefire on May 10 following Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that on the night of May 6-7, the armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), commemorated a defining chapter in the country’s military history.
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“The Pakistan Armed Forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force, proudly commemorate a defining chapter in the country’s military history; one that strengthened national confidence, reaffirmed institutional resolve and validated the PAF’s relentless pursuit of modernization and targeted capacity building,” the statement said.
The ISPR said that this milestone reflects the PAF’s journey to become a future-ready air power through the introduction of cutting-edge systems and operationalization of niche technologies.
“By mastering the skillful employment of multi-domain operations, the Pakistan Air Force continues to consolidate itself into a capable, forward-looking air power, fully prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of the evolving nature and parameters of modern air warfare,” it added.
Describing the operations as unprecedented in scale, the statement said they highlighted the professional excellence of the PAF and renewed national pride.
“The successful execution of these operations, unprecedented in scale and unheard of in the history of aerial warfare, not only highlighted the professional excellence of the Pakistan Air Force, but also renewed the pride, confidence and spirit of the resilient Pakistani nation,” it read.
The ISPR stressed that Pakistan remained a peace-loving country, with its armed forces committed to stability and security.
“Pakistan is a peace-loving country and its armed forces embody a mature and responsible strategic culture,” the statement said, adding that all efforts were aimed at preserving peace, promoting stability and ensuring security in the region.
The statement highlights that the armed forces are aware of the evolving regional geopolitical and security environment, as well as the capabilities of opposing forces, and continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies and professional excellence to meet future challenges.
The statement reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the armed forces to defend the country. “Any hostile move against Pakistan will be countered with even greater force, precision and determination than the adversary witnessed during Marka-e-Haq, Insha’Allah,” the statement added.
Paying tribute to the Pakistan Air Force, the ISPR said the nation recognizes the professionalism and sacrifices of this force.
“Tonight, the nation pays tribute to all members of the Pakistan Air Force for their professionalism, sacrifices, tireless efforts and exceptional operational focus,” he said, adding that these contributions were essential to the defense of the country’s airspace.
The statement concluded that the Pakistan Air Force is and will remain second to none and a symbol of pride, strength and confidence for the nation.
Attack on Pahalgam and Marka-e-Haq
On April 22, 2025, the escalation between Pakistan and India began when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan has categorically rejected Indian responsibility.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day, April 23, 2025, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Water Treaty (IWT), canceling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border post, ordering the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to close, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other’s embassies.
Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, 2025, when missile strikes hit six towns in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children and elderly people.
Learn more: French intelligence official confirms Pakistan’s shooting down of Rafale
In a swift military response, Pakistani armed forces shot down Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales. The confrontation escalated again in the wee hours of May 10, 2025, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations including missile storage sites, airbases and other strategic targets.
On May 10, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the deal was separately confirmed by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Indian Foreign Minister.
