ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that Pakistan’s strong response to Indian aggression in May last year forced India to seek a ceasefire, while praising the armed forces for their swift and effective response during the conflict.
He made these remarks while addressing a special ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad to mark the first anniversary of the Marka-e-Haq victory. The event was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, the services chiefs, and the country’s political leadership.
Marka-e-Haq, meaning “battle of truth,” refers to the 19-day military conflict between Pakistan and India that lasted from April 22 to May 10, 2025.
Before beginning his speech, the prime minister observed a one-minute silence in honour of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defence of the country.
In his address, PM Shehbaz rejected India’s allegations regarding the Pahalgam incident, stating that Pakistan was falsely accused following the attack. He said Pakistan had repeatedly warned its adversary against any adventurism and had also offered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
He added that tensions escalated when the “cowardly enemy imposed war on Pakistan,” which led to a strong and historic response from the armed forces. “Everywhere our Shaheens dominated the skies and enemy aircraft were reduced to wreckage,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s response ultimately compelled the opposing side to seek a ceasefire.
The prime minister further said that even after one year, India had failed to present any evidence to support its allegations.
Declaring May 10 as “Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq,” he announced that the day would be observed annually with national enthusiasm and renewed commitment.
He also praised Chief of Army Staff and Chief Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for his leadership during the conflict. He lauded the air force and naval chiefs as well for their key roles in defending the country.
He said that during Marka-e-Haq, 240 million people stood united with their armed forces “like a steel wall,” and expressed gratitude to friendly countries for their support to Pakistan.
The prime minister specifically thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their diplomatic and political backing. He also acknowledged the role of US President Donald Trump in helping to end the war with India.
He further said Pakistan was also playing a mediation role in efforts to end conflicts in the Middle East. In this context, he noted that he had been informed about Iran’s response to the US proposal aimed at ending the war, adding that Field Marshal Asim Munir had briefed him and he could not share further details.
Addressing the same ceremony, President Asif Ali Zardari termed May 10 a “golden chapter” in Pakistan’s history, recalling the country’s response during Marka-e-Haq.
He paid tribute to the armed forces for giving a strong response to India’s unprovoked aggression in May last year, stating that Pakistan’s response would be remembered in golden letters. He said Indian forces had targeted civilian areas and places of worship, but Pakistan’s armed forces successfully defended the nation.
The president claimed that Pakistan shot down eight Indian fighter jets during the conflict, adding that the armed forces had elevated the nation’s pride.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir issue, he said the country would continue to extend political, moral, and diplomatic support to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
He also stated that India-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan via Afghanistan must come to an end.
Referring to the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, the president said Pakistan would continue its unconditional support for the Palestinian people amid ongoing Israeli atrocities.