Field Marshal Munir to lead Marka-e-Haq anniversary ceremony at GHQ

Chief of Defense Force (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will lead a ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Sunday morning to mark the completion of one year since last year’s victory against India in May 2025.

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.

State-run Radio Pakistan reported that CDF Munir would be the chief guest at the ceremony, which will also be attended by Chief of Air Staff Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

Read: “No one can harm Pakistan; we are ready to respond to any aggression’: DG ISPR on Marka-e-Haq anniversary

A wreath will be laid at the martyrs’ monument, followed by a salute presented by the contingents of the three armed forces. CDF Munir will also deliver a speech on the occasion.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the nation and the armed forces on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Office, the President said CDF Munir’s leadership, strategy and “courageous decisions” were the key to the success of Marka-e-Haq.

He also praised the Air Chief and the Pakistan Air Force for their “outstanding competence and professionalism”.

President Zardari congratulated the Navy Chief and his forces, describing their full operational readiness and defense capabilities as a source of national pride.

“Pakistan is a responsible and peace-loving state. By giving a strong but measured response to enemy aggression, we have conveyed to the world our defensive capability,” the President said.

He said that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir must be resolved in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.

Read also: On Marka-e-Haq day, forces signal strong resolve

“Pakistan will continue its moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people,” he said.

Terming India’s attempt to suspend the Indus Water Treaty as an “assault on water”, he said water was a matter of life for millions of Pakistanis.

Addressing cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan, he said Kabul must ensure that its territory is not used for terrorist purposes against Pakistan or other countries in the region.

He said terrorism supported by external support must be eliminated for lasting peace in the region.

The President said Pakistan was becoming a symbol of balance and stability in the region due to the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and CDF Munir.

He added that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Iran-US conflict had been widely appreciated globally.

“The Pakistani nation and armed forces are fully prepared to meet all challenges and defend the homeland,” President Zardari said.

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.

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.