On the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, the military warned that it would respond even more forcefully if enemy forces engaged in any hostile actions.
On May 6-7 last year, India — after levelling baseless and unfounded allegations against Pakistan for an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir — launched an attack on Islamabad, which was responded to with full force, humilating New Delhi.
The more than 80-hour war eventually stopped on May 10 after intervention from the United States, which saw multiple Indian jets and drones being downed, and bolstering Pakistan’s image as a “net regional stabiliser”.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) mentioned that on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, the Pakistan armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force, proudly commemorate a defining chapter in the nation’s military history.
“…one that strengthened national confidence, reaffirmed institutional resolve and validated PAF's relentless pursuit of modernisation and focused capability enhancement,” the military’s media wing added.
This historic milestone, it said, reflects Pakistan Air Force’s steadfast journey towards becoming a future-ready air power through smart inductions of cutting-edge systems and swift “operationalisation of niche and disruptive technologies, consolidating its operational reorientation”.
The military’s media wing added that by mastering the skilful employment of multi-domain operations, the air force continues to consolidate itself into a future-focused and capable air power, fully prepared to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan in the face of the evolving nature and parameters 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.”
It reminded the world that Pakistan is a peace-loving country, and its armed forces embody a mature and responsible strategic culture.
Every effort, preparation, and endeavour of Pakistan Armed Forces, the ISPR added, remains 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 Pakistani armed forces remain fully cognisant of the evolving geopolitical and regional security environment, as well as the aggressive capabilities pursued by adversarial forces, the military’s media wing said.
“While the strategic environment continues to transform, the resolve, vigilance and commitment of Pakistan armed forces to defend the nation remain unwavering.”
The ISPR said that the Pakistani armed forces continue to invest in critical capabilities, advanced technologies and professional excellence required to meet future challenges.
More focused than ever before, it added, they stand prepared for the future battlespace and remain ready to decisively respond to any aggression imposed upon the homeland.
“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.”
Tonight, the statement mentioned, the nation pays tribute to every member of the Pakistan Air Force, for their professionalism, sacrifice, untiring efforts, and exceptional operational focus, which remained pivotal to the historical defence of the airspace of Pakistan.
“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.”
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 Pakistan Air Force personnel on the success of Marka-e-Haq and said India had levelled baseless allegations against Pakistan following the Pahalgam false flag incident.
The air chief said Pakistan had offered India a neutral investigation, adding that the Pakistan Air Force had given a “full and befitting response” to Indian aggression. He said the PAF inflicted severe damage on India’s air defence system and played an important 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 also said 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 further said all enemy installations were within the PAF’s target range and claimed that the S-400 air defence system was 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 said the Pakistan Air Force would always continue to meet the nation’s expectations.
In a statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that today, the nation marks one year since Marka-e-Haq, a defining moment in our 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 added that he salutes the bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces, “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.”
Last year, he added, when aggression was imposed upon us, Pakistan, 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.
The DPM said that Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos was more than a military success. Acting in accordance with the UN Charter, he said, Pakistan exercised its inherent right of self-defence under the then-General Asim Munir, now Field Marshal and Chief of Defence Forces, delivering a determined, decisive, and proportionate response directed solely at military installations of the aggressor.
“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 — these facts remain well documented and beyond any dispute.”
“Simultaneously, the Pakistan Navy, led by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, maintained full readiness to counter any aggression in the maritime domain.”
Through this calibrated and resolute response, DPM Dar said, Pakistan sent a clear and unambiguous message: Pakistan stands for peace, but it will never compromise on its dignity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.
“During this critical period, I alongwith my colleagues in the Foreign Office undertook an active diplomatic outreach, effectively presenting Pakistan’s position on bilateral and global platforms; reinforcing international understanding of Pakistan’s lawful and restrained response.”
He added that the events of last year also remind us that lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without addressing the 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. 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.”
“The anniversary of Marka-e-Haq is not only about remembering the past; it is about shaping the future—a future where Pakistan is strong not just 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.”
“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.”