ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq symbolizes Pakistan’s courage, unity, and resolve. He praised the armed forces and reaffirmed support for dialogue in the region.
In a message to the nation released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) marking one year since the military conflict with India that took place from April 22 to May 10, 2025, Dar paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens, saying the country had responded to "imposed aggression" with restraint and principle under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Referring to Pakistan’s response under Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos following Indian conventional strikes on civilian infrastructure on the night of May 6, 2025, he noted that Pakistan had exercised its right to self-defense in line with the UN Charter, according to the Foreign Office.
The FM said the response -- led by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir -- targeted only military installations and was "determined, decisive and proportionate."
He also praised the role of the Pakistan Air Force under Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, saying it had shot down multiple Indian fighter jets and neutralized key military targets. The Pakistan Navy, led by Naveed Ashraf, remained fully prepared to counter any maritime aggression, he added.
Pakistan's response 'lawful and restrained'
"Pakistan stands for peace, but it will never compromise on its dignity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence," Dar said.
He maintained that Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach during the critical period helped present the country’s position at bilateral and international forums, describing Islamabad’s response as "lawful and restrained."
Dar reiterated that lasting peace in South Asia could not be achieved without resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for dialogue and diplomacy, he warned that any threat to the country would be met with "national unity, unshakeable resolve, and strength through all means available."
The anniversary of Marka-e-Haq should also serve as a reminder of the need to strengthen Pakistan’s economy, education system, and social sectors, while empowering youth and promoting national unity, the statement said.
"Let this day renew our collective pledge: to stand united; to reject division; to work tirelessly for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan," he said.
A ‘defining chapter’ for PAF : ISPR
Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq marked a "defining chapter" in Pakistan’s military history, particularly for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
In a press statement, the military’s media wing said the conflict had "strengthened national confidence, reaffirmed institutional resolve and validated the PAF’s efforts towards modernisation and operational capability enhancement".
According to ISPR, the PAF’s use of multi-domain operations demonstrated its preparedness for the evolving nature of modern warfare and highlighted the force’s "professional excellence".
"Pakistan is a peace-loving country, and its Armed Forces remain dedicated to preserving peace, promoting stability and ensuring security in the region" the statement said, adding that "peace for Pakistan has always been inseparable from honour, dignity and sovereign equality".
ISPR warned that Pakistan’s armed forces remained fully aware of the evolving regional security environment and any "hostile design" against the country would be met with "greater strength, precision and resolve".
