Bilawal lauds armed forces, national unity and diplomacy at Marka-e-Haq ceremony

Karachi (Web Desk): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday that Pakistan has endured and prevailed through difficult challenges and continues to stand strong in defence of its sovereignty.

He made these remarks while speaking at the Marka-e-Haq anniversary event held in Karachi.

Addressing the gathering, Bilawal noted that the country had recently passed through a period marked by uncertainty but had come out stronger due to unity and national resilience.

He recalled that around a year earlier, Pakistan had been facing a tense situation, with rising tensions along the borders raising concerns about a possible conflict.

However, he said Pakistan did not lose its stability and instead stood firm, attributing this outcome to national cohesion in testing times.

The PPP chairman further stated that Pakistan’s history since its establishment in 1947 has been shaped by continuous struggle and sacrifices. He said that the recent success was not simply the result of military strength but reflected the nation’s resolve, patience, and bravery.

Bilawal also highlighted the widespread unity across the country, from the northern mountainous regions to the Arabian Sea, and from Punjab to Sindh and Balochistan, while praising the armed forces for their disciplined, dignified, and courageous defence of the country.

The PPP chief also acknowledged the diplomatic community for presenting Pakistan’s position effectively at the global level.

Bilawal said that Pakistan has consistently preferred peace over conflict. He however emphasized that the country would never compromise on its sovereignty.

He also said that certain external forces were attempting to misrepresent historical facts and reshape narratives.

Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also spoke at the ceremony marking the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, said Pakistan responded firmly during last year’s escalation with India.

He said that Pakistani forces had downed Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, and added that the Pakistan Navy remained fully alert throughout the situation. He further dismissed reports circulated in Indian media regarding attacks on Karachi Port, calling them false propaganda.

Referring to Pakistan’s defence development, the Sindh CM stated that the country’s nuclear programme was initiated under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1972 and was later advanced during the tenure of Benazir Bhutto.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also addressed the gathering, describing the occasion as a moment of national pride.

He said Pakistan’s armed forces had delivered a strong response to the adversary and credited PPP leadership for contributing to the strengthening of the country’s nuclear capability.

He further stated that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had effectively raised the Kashmir issue on international platforms.

The leaders referred to the April–May 2025 escalation between Pakistan and India, which followed the Pahalgam attack and resulted in heightened tensions, diplomatic breakdown, cross-border strikes, and military confrontation.

The situation eventually de-escalated after a ceasefire was reached on May 10, 2025, with international mediation playing a key role.