On Marka-e-Haq anniversary, President Zardari pays tribute to armed forces, reaffirms Pakistan's resolve to defend its sovereignty

Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday lauded the “calibrated yet shocking” response delivered to Indian aggression during Marka-e-Haq last year and reaffirmed that both the Pakistani nation and its armed forces were fully prepared and capable of safeguarding the country’s territorial boundaries and national interests against every challenge.

While addressing a ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument to mark the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, the president said that one year had passed since what he described as one of the most defining moments in the country’s history.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, federal ministers, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, diplomats, students and people belonging to different sectors of society attended the event.

Recalling the events of the conflict, President Zardari said, “India chose unprovoked aggression on the basis of false flag Pehalgam incident and launched air strikes on Pakistani civilians and worship places without any justification. Indian media misled their nation by projecting fabricated stories and dreams.”

He stated that under the command of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens responded to the Indian aggression with a “calibrated yet shocking” reaction.

“Our military was capable of causing far more degradation to the enemy yet our response was measured being a responsible and peace preferring state. The professionalism and valour displayed by our brave officers, men in uniform and our nation have made us proud and earned worldwide recognition,” he remarked.

The president praised the Pakistan Air Force, saying it had proven itself unmatched as its pilots confronted a much larger adversary with remarkable confidence, skill and precision while protecting the country’s airspace.

“Our Air Force downed eight enemy aircrafts during the conflict, delivering a response that became a defining moment of resolve and national pride,” President Zardari said, adding that the Pakistan Navy also demonstrated outstanding operational readiness and combat strength, forcing the Indian aircraft carrier into a defensive position while securing the country’s maritime frontiers.

President Zardari stressed that Pakistan’s triumph was not restricted to military achievements alone but also symbolized the unity and solidarity of the entire nation.

“It gave a message to the world once again, that we remain united, vigilant and resolute like a steel wall.”

Speaking about Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the president said the dispute must be settled in accordance with United Nations resolutions, adding that Indian atrocities and serious human rights abuses had failed to break the spirit of the Kashmiri people.

He reiterated Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic backing for the Kashmiri cause.

The president further stated that India’s unilateral and unlawful attempt to suspend the Indus Water Treaty amounted to hydro-terrorism.

“Water is life for millions of our citizens. This blatant violation of international laws endangers regional stability and must be addressed with seriousness,” he added.

Referring to terrorism originating from Afghan territory, President Zardari called for an end to Indian-sponsored militancy in Pakistan and urged Afghanistan not to allow its land to be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan or neighboring countries.

He also demanded an immediate halt to the suffering and genocide of innocent women and children in Gaza and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the legitimate rights of Palestinians to establish an independent state with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, President Zardari said, “Alhamdolillah, due to the relentless efforts of the Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has emerged as a regional stabilizer.”

He said Pakistan favored a peaceful settlement of the US-Iran conflict and noted that the country’s mediation efforts had received international recognition and helped prevent the region from descending into a broader and far more destructive conflict.