ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday praised Pakistan’s armed forces for delivering a “historic response” to India during Marka-e-Haq as the nation observed the first anniversary of the victory.
He was addressing a Marka-e-Haq anniversary ceremony at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, federal ministers, foreign dignitaries and families of martyrs who lost their lives in Marka-e-Haq and the war against terrorism.
Speaking at the ceremony, the prime minister said India had accused Pakistan after the “tragic” Pahalgam incident despite Islamabad offering an internationally transparent investigation into the matter.
He said the “cowardly enemy”, as in the past, launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistan under the cover of darkness by targeting mosques, innocent children and civilians.
“Our brave forces gave a historic response to the enemy’s nighttime attack,” he said.
“When our lionhearted soldiers entered the battlefield, and our Shaheens swooped down on the enemy, the cowardly enemy was overwhelmed. Our Fatah missiles destroyed India’s air defence system,” he added.
“There was dominance of our Shaheens everywhere and wreckage of enemy aircraft on every side,” he said, adding that the response forced India to seek a ceasefire within four hours of the confrontation.
Describing the victory as one of Pakistan’s “national honour, principles and self-respect”, PM Shehbaz announced that May 10 would be observed annually as “Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq” with patriotism and enthusiasm, though without a public holiday.
Paying tribute to the martyrs, their families and the nation, the premier commended Field Marshal Asim Munir for “writing new chapters of courage” during the conflict.
“History will always remember the wise and courageous leadership of the field marshal in golden words,” he said.
The prime minister also praised the Pakistan Air Force and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, saying they had shattered the enemy’s claims regarding its air superiority.
He further lauded the Pakistan Navy and Admiral Naveed Ashraf, stating that the naval forces created such a strong deterrence that the enemy “did not dare enter maritime boundaries”.
PM Shehbaz thanked brotherly and friendly countries for extending diplomatic support during the conflict and especially acknowledged US President Donald Trump for what he called a “historic role” in preventing further escalation.
“If the flames of war between two nuclear powers had intensified further, the consequences would have been horrific,” he said, adding that President Trump played a decisive role in securing a ceasefire “without wasting a moment”.
The premier also thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other friendly countries for supporting Pakistan’s stance.
He particularly appreciated China, President Xi Jinping, the Chinese leadership and the Chinese people for providing political, diplomatic and moral support to Pakistan, saying they had fulfilled the “right of unforgettable friendship”.
Referring to Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, the prime minister said Islamabad was sincerely working for peace in Iran.
He stated that Pakistan had helped both sides agree to a ceasefire and had also played a significant role in bringing them to the negotiating table for the first time since 1979.
He added that Pakistan’s efforts for lasting peace in the region and beyond were continuing.
“Just now the field marshal was telling me that Iran’s response has been received,” he said, without sharing further details.
Expressing support for the people of Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had consistently extended moral, diplomatic and political support to them at every international forum.
He said Pakistan would continue supporting them until the people of Palestine and IIOJK could “breathe in an atmosphere of freedom”.
Referring to sacrifices in the war against terrorism, the premier said officers and soldiers of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies continued to lay down their lives in operations against “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan” in defence of the country.
