ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday described “Marka-e-Haq” as one of the most significant chapters in Pakistan’s history, saying the country delivered a “calibrated and shocking response” to Indian aggression while acting with restraint as a responsible state.
He made these remarks during a special ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad to commemorate the first anniversary of the conflict that erupted after the April 22 Pahalgam attack and ended with a ceasefire following Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos on May 10 last year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Baber Sidhu, senior civil and military officials, diplomats and political leaders attended the event.
In his address, President Zardari accused India of carrying out unprovoked aggression based on what he called a false flag Pahalgam incident.
“India launched airstrikes on Pakistan’s civilian and worship places without any justification,” he said, also criticising Indian media for spreading fabricated narratives during the conflict.
He stated that Pakistan’s armed forces responded decisively under the “dynamic leadership” of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“To this, Pakistan gave a calibrated and shocking response to the Indian aggression,” he said.
The president said Pakistan demonstrated maturity and restraint despite possessing strong military capabilities.
“Our response was mature and measured, being a responsible and peace-preferring state,” he remarked.
Praising the Pakistan Air Force, he said its pilots displayed exceptional skill and confidence despite facing a numerically superior adversary.
“Our pilots faced a larger adversary, but with extraordinary skills and confidence, they defended our skies,” he said.
President Zardari claimed Pakistan had downed eight Indian aircraft during the conflict, calling it a defining moment that reflected the nation’s determination and pride.
He also commended the Pakistan Navy, saying its operational readiness and combat preparedness safeguarded the country’s maritime boundaries during the tensions.
The president said Marka-e-Haq showcased national unity and solidarity, adding that Pakistan had demonstrated to the world that it remained “united, vigilant and resolute like a wall”.
During the speech, he criticised India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam incident, terming the move an act of “hydro-terrorism”.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic and political support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he stressed that the dispute should be resolved in line with United Nations resolutions.
He also called for an end to what he described as “India-sponsored terrorism” in Pakistan through Afghan territory and urged that Afghan soil should not be used against neighbouring countries.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, President Zardari praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their regional diplomacy, particularly regarding mediation efforts involving the United States and Iran.
He said these initiatives had reinforced Pakistan’s image as a “regional stabiliser”.
“I want to conclude by underlining that Pakistan’s armed forces are capable and always ready to defend our sovereignty and national interest in the face of any challenge,” the president said.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a ceremonial march past by contingents of the armed forces, while patriotic songs were also performed during the event.
