Civil and military leaders assert comprehensive response as nation marks first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq

Pakistan’s civilian and military leaders on Saturday renewed their commitment to defending the country, warning that any aggression aimed at undermining it would be met with an “immediate, appropriate and comprehensive response” as the nation 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.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the martyrs and their families, saying they stood like a wall of steel to defend the motherland.

“Marka-e-Haq is a day to bow in gratitude before Allah Almighty for His innumerable blessings upon us. Today, we commemorate Pakistan’s valiant stand in the face of adversity and the crushing defeat we inflicted on the enemy,” he said.

Praising the armed forces, he said their well-coordinated and synchronized response in land, sea, air and cyber domains had made Pakistan an invincible nation. He added that Marka-e-Haq testified that Pakistanis were a peace-loving, yet courageous, resilient and dignified nation “which cannot be intimidated or subjugated by any aggressor”.

“Marka-e-Haq is etched in history as an epic feat of achieving crushing dominance over an enemy, bent on unprovoked aggression. The enemy was given a strong dose of reality serum to dispel its illusion of invincibility,” the Prime Minister said.

Paying tribute to Chief of Defense Force (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Prime Minister lauded his leadership, along with the Air Chief and Navy Chief, as well as the officers and soldiers of the armed forces, who, with the support of the nation, “have written a new chapter in the Pakistan-India context”.

“Pakistan has clearly demonstrated its desire for peace, while restoring deterrence and preserving its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

“There is no doubt that any aggression aimed at harming Pakistan will be met with an immediate, appropriate and comprehensive response,” the Prime Minister warned.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend the homeland, saying, “We remain steadfast in our efforts to eliminate” terrorist groups and take the fight against them to its logical conclusion.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the Kashmir conflict, reiterating Islamabad’s continued support for the fundamental right of the Kashmiri people to freedom and self-determination.

“No history of Pakistan is complete without Kashmir, which remains the unfinished agenda of the partition of the subcontinent. Strategic stability in South Asia, without the resolution of the Kashmir issue, would remain a distant dream which must be resolved in accordance with the United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” he added.

Highlighting Pakistan’s improved international image since last year’s victory and its role as mediator in the US-Iran conflict, he said the country was now recognized as a responsible state that not only knew how to defend itself but had also become a contributor to global peace and stability.

“Pakistan’s central role as a key mediator in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran and our efforts to end the violence have been recognized across the world,” he said, adding that Islamabad remained committed to peaceful resolution of conflicts.

President Asif Ali Zardari also 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.

The military leadership also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, saying the armed forces remained fully prepared to face all internal and external challenges, terming Marka-e-Haq a defining milestone in the country’s journey.

In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), CDF Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Marshal Sidhu extended “heartfelt felicitations to the nation and all ranks of the armed forces”.

“This day is a testament to the enduring spirit of courage, professionalism and unity,” the statement said, adding that the armed forces stand with the people of Pakistan and reaffirm their “indissoluble bond with the nation they proudly serve.”

The ISPR said ceremonies were being organized across the country to commemorate the occasion and honor the sacrifices of martyrs and veterans, with floral wreaths laid on memorials and prayers offered for the departed.

“Marka-e-Haq has become a defining milestone in the nation’s journey, reflecting national resolve, military excellence and strategic maturity,” the statement said.

“This success not only boosted national confidence but also established Pakistan as a responsible regional stabilizer with formidable military capabilities,” he adds.

The military’s media wing said Pakistan’s “measured and resolute response” to Marka-e-Haq had exposed “conflicting plots, false flag narratives and disinformation campaigns.”

“Marka-e-Haq has become a defining milestone in the nation’s journey, reflecting national resolve, military excellence and strategic maturity,” the statement said, adding that this success has not only strengthened national confidence but also established Pakistan as a responsible regional stabilizer with formidable military capabilities.

“Despite conventional and hybrid challenges, including proxy terrorism, the armed forces have demonstrated superior operational proficiency in the land, air, maritime, cyber and information domains,” the statement said.

He added that Pakistan had further strengthened its defensive capabilities and strengthened “full-spectrum deterrence despite resource asymmetries”.

“With the unwavering support of a resilient and united nation, the armed forces remain capable, vigilant and fully prepared to face all internal and external challenges, ensuring the security, stability and territorial integrity of Pakistan,” the statement concluded.

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.