ISLAMABAD: The military has vowed an even stronger response to enemy forces if they resort to any hostilities as Pakistan marked the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq.
On May 6-7 last year, India — after levelling baseless and unfounded allegations against Pakistan over an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir — launched strikes against Islamabad, which Pakistan responded to with full force, humiliating New Delhi.
The more than 80-hour conflict eventually came to an end on May 10 following intervention by the United States. During the confrontation, multiple Indian jets and drones were reportedly downed, further bolstering Pakistan’s image as a “net regional stabiliser”.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, the Pakistan Armed Forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force, proudly commemorated a defining chapter in the nation’s military history.
The military’s media wing stated that the occasion strengthened national confidence, reaffirmed institutional resolve and validated the PAF’s relentless pursuit of modernisation and focused capability enhancement.
According to the ISPR, the milestone reflected the Pakistan Air Force’s journey towards becoming a future-ready air power through the induction of cutting-edge systems and the swift operationalisation of niche and disruptive technologies, consolidating its operational reorientation.
The statement added that by mastering the skilful employment of multi-domain operations, the air force continued to establish itself as a future-focused and capable force, fully prepared to uphold Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the evolving nature of modern air warfare.
“The successful execution of these operations, unprecedented in scope and novel in the history of aerial warfare, not only underscored the professional excellence of Pakistan Air Force but also renewed the pride, confidence and spirit of the resilient Pakistani nation,” the ISPR said.
The military’s media wing reiterated that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and that its armed forces embody a mature and responsible strategic culture.
It added that every effort, preparation and endeavour of the Pakistan Armed Forces remained dedicated to preserving peace, promoting stability and ensuring security in the region. “Peace for Pakistan has always been inseparable from honour, dignity and sovereign equality,” the statement read.
The ISPR further said that the armed forces remained fully aware of the evolving geopolitical and regional security environment, as well as the aggressive capabilities being pursued by adversarial forces.
“While the strategic environment continues to transform, the resolve, vigilance and commitment of Pakistan Armed Forces to defend the nation remain unwavering,” it added.
The military’s media wing stated that the armed forces continued to invest in critical capabilities, advanced technologies and professional excellence required to meet future challenges.
“More focused than ever before, they stand prepared for the future battlespace and remain ready to decisively respond to any aggression imposed upon the homeland,” the ISPR said.
“Any hostile design against Pakistan will be countered with even greater strength, precision and resolve — far stronger than what was witnessed by the adversary during Marka-e-Haq, Insha’Allah,” it added.
The statement also paid tribute to every member of the Pakistan Air Force for their professionalism, sacrifice, untiring efforts and exceptional operational focus, which it said remained pivotal to the historic defence of Pakistan’s airspace.
“Pakistan Air Force is and Insha’Allah will remain second to none, worthy of being a symbol of pride, strength and confidence for this great nation. Pakistan hamesha Zindabad,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, a ceremony was held at Air Headquarters to mark one year of the success of Marka-e-Haq.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu congratulated PAF personnel on the anniversary and said India had levelled baseless allegations against Pakistan following the Pahalgam “false flag incident”.
The air chief stated that Pakistan had offered India a neutral investigation and added that the Pakistan Air Force had delivered a “full and befitting response” to Indian aggression. He claimed the PAF inflicted severe damage on India’s air defence system and played a key role in delivering a “crushing defeat” to the enemy.
He termed the role of the Pakistan Air Force in national defence as historic, saying the PAF taught the enemy a lesson from Srinagar to Bathinda.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu further claimed that Pakistan’s “cyber shaheens” destroyed the enemy’s cyber security and that the Indian Air Force suffered a humiliating defeat.
He said the Pakistan Air Force remained the guardian of the country’s air frontiers and claimed that the PAF had brought down some of the world’s leading fighter aircraft.
The air chief also stated that all enemy installations were within the PAF’s target range and claimed that the S-400 air defence system had been destroyed within moments.
Referring to Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, he said Pakistan demonstrated excellent drone capabilities and defeated the enemy in air, electronic and cyber warfare.
He added that the Pakistan Air Force destroyed enemy installations in record time and that every PAF personnel displayed exceptional capability during Marka-e-Haq.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu said the successes were made possible because of the country’s national leadership, adding that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s leadership played an important role in the achievement.
He stated that the Pakistan Air Force would continue to meet the nation’s expectations.
In a separate statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the nation was marking one year since Marka-e-Haq, which he described as a defining moment in Pakistan’s national journey.
“It is not just a date on the calendar; it is a story of courage, unity and unwavering resolve. A story where every soldier stood firm and every citizen stood behind them,” he said.
Dar paid tribute to the bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces, calling them “our sons and daughters, who rose with discipline and determination to defend our homeland”.
“I also salute the people of Pakistan, whose unity became our greatest strength. Because when the nation stands as one, no force on earth can shake its foundations,” he added.
The deputy prime minister said that when aggression was imposed upon Pakistan last year, the country, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acted with calm resolve and moral clarity.
“Our response was measured, responsible and precise; guided not by emotion, but by principle,” he said.
Dar described Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos as more than a military success, stating that Pakistan exercised its inherent right of self-defence under the UN Charter and delivered a determined, decisive and proportionate response directed solely at military installations of the aggressor.
He further stated that under the command of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, the Pakistan Air Force achieved notable operational successes, including the downing of multiple Indian fighter jets and the neutralisation of key military targets.
“Simultaneously, the Pakistan Navy, led by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, maintained full readiness to counter any aggression in the maritime domain,” he added.
Through what he described as a calibrated and resolute response, Dar said Pakistan had sent a clear message that while it stood for peace, it would never compromise on its dignity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.
He added that during the critical period, he and his colleagues in the Foreign Office undertook active diplomatic outreach, effectively presenting Pakistan’s position on bilateral and global platforms and reinforcing international understanding of Pakistan’s lawful and restrained response.
Dar said the events of last year also highlighted that lasting peace in South Asia could not be achieved without addressing core issues, foremost among them the just resolution of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of its people.
“Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and stability. We believe in dialogue, in diplomacy and in resolving disputes through justice and mutual respect,” he said.
“At the same time, we reaffirm that any threat to our homeland will be met with national unity, unshakeable resolve and strength through all means available,” he added.
Calling the anniversary of Marka-e-Haq not only a remembrance of the past but also an opportunity to shape the future, Dar said Pakistan must strive to become strong not only in defence, but also in economy, education and all social sectors.
“A future where our youth lead with confidence, and our nation rises with dignity among the comity of nations,” he said.
“Let this day renew our collective pledge: to stand united; to reject division; to work tirelessly for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan — because the spirit of Marka-e-Haq lives not just in our history, but also in our hearts — now and forever, Insha’Allah.”