“When the nation is one, no force on earth can shake its foundations,” says Dar
Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Photo: X/File
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that the country’s response during last year’s conflict with India was “measured, responsible and precise”, as he marked 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 message to the nation issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to mark the X, Dar described the occasion as “a defining moment in our national journey”, saying it reflected “a story of courage, unity and unwavering determination”.
He paid tribute to the armed forces and citizens of Pakistan, saying: “When the nation is united, no force on earth can shake its foundations. »
🔊 Message to the nation from Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XhPsRqoWS8
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 7, 2026
Referring to military tensions last year, Dar said Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, had acted “with calm determination and moral clarity”. “Our response was measured, responsible and precise; guided not by emotion, but by principle,” he said.
Dar said Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos was “more than a military success”, adding that Pakistan was exercising its “inherent right of self-defence under the United Nations Charter”.
He praised the role of leaders of the Pakistan Armed Forces, including Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Admiral Naveed Ashraf, saying the Pakistan Air Force had achieved “notable operational successes”.
Read: Pakistan wins world’s trust and respect: PM
According to Dar, these measures included “the shooting down of several Indian warplanes and the neutralization of key military targets.” The foreign minister also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic action during the crisis, saying the foreign ministry had made efforts to present Pakistan’s position “on bilateral and global platforms”.
“The events of the last year also remind us that lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without addressing fundamental issues, foremost among which is the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue,” he said.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to “regional peace and stability” through dialogue and diplomacy, but warned that “any threat to our homeland will be fought with national unity, unwavering determination and force by all means available.”
Calling on Pakistanis to remain united, he said the anniversary was “not just about remembering the past, but about shaping the future.” “May this day renew our collective commitment: to remain united, reject division and work tirelessly for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan,” he added.
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.
Learn more: Pak efforts maintain ceasefire
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.
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.
