Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that Pakistan’s forceful response to aggression in May last year compelled India to pursue a ceasefire, while commending the armed forces for their rapid and effective operations during the conflict.
He made the remarks during a ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument to mark the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Field Marshal Asim Munir, military chiefs, and senior political leaders.
Marka-e-Haq refers to the 19-day military confrontation between Pakistan and India that lasted from April 22 to May 10, 2025.
Before delivering his speech, the PM observed a minute of silence to honour those who lost their lives defending the country. During his address, Shehbaz Sharif rejected India’s allegations linked to the Pahalgam incident, describing them as baseless. He said Pakistan had warned against any hostile move and had even proposed an impartial investigation into the matter.
He stated that tensions escalated after India resorted to aggression, prompting Pakistan’s armed forces to respond decisively. He praised the Pakistan Air Force for asserting aerial dominance during the conflict, saying enemy aircraft were destroyed and the response ultimately pushed India toward seeking a ceasefire.
Shehbaz Sharif stated that, even after a year, India had failed to present evidence supporting its accusations against Pakistan. Announcing May 10 as “Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq,” he said the occasion would now be observed annually across the country.
The premier also commended Field Marshal Asim Munir for his leadership during the conflict, while also praising the chiefs of the air force and navy for their roles in defending the country. He said the nation stood united behind the armed forces during the confrontation and expressed appreciation to friendly nations for their diplomatic backing.
Among those acknowledged were Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The PM also credited US President Donald Trump for playing a role in efforts to end the conflict between Pakistan and India.
He further highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic role in ongoing Middle East tensions, saying Islamabad continues to support efforts aimed at achieving peace in the region. He revealed that he had been informed about Iran’s response to a US proposal related to ending the war, but declined to share further details.
Addressing the ceremony, President Zardari described May 10 as a landmark moment in Pakistan’s history and paid tribute to the armed forces for responding firmly to Indian actions.
He said Pakistan’s response would be remembered as a defining chapter in the country’s military history and accused India of targeting civilians and places of worship during the conflict.
The president reiterated Pakistan’s continued political, diplomatic, and moral support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also alleged that India was supporting cross-border terrorism through Afghanistan and called for an end to such activities.
Commenting on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the Occupied West Bank, Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unconditional support for the Palestinian people.
Nationwide celebrations mark Pakistan’s victory in Marka-e-Haq
