PM Shehbaz hails armed forces for historic victory, declares May 10 as 'Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq'

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday lauded the leadership of Pakistan’s armed forces under Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asif Munir for displaying outstanding bravery and determination during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, saying the armed forces successfully thwarted the enemy’s malicious intentions in May 2025.

While speaking at a ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad to commemorate the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq Bunyan-un-Marsoos, the prime minister said India used the unfortunate Pahalgam incident as a justification to launch attacks against Pakistan, but Islamabad still acted responsibly and prevented the situation from escalating further.

He said Pakistan had already cautioned the adversary about the consequences of any aggression and had even proposed a transparent investigation into the Pahalgam incident.

“But the cowardly enemy, as always, launched an unannounced war on Pakistan in the darkness of the night by targeting our mosques, children and citizens,” he said adding, “Pakistan’s armed forces gave a historic response to the attack launched by the enemy.”

The prime minister stated that Pakistan’s forces responded with exceptional courage, while the country’s fighter pilots dominated the skies during the conflict.

“Our brave soldiers entered the battlefield and our falcons swooped down on the cowardly enemy who was in a state of panic. Our missiles destroyed India’s air defence system and our falcons in the air force were dominant and there was debris of enemy equipment everywhere and in just four hours the enemy called for a ceasefire,” he continued.

He further said that despite the passage of an entire year, India had failed to provide any proof regarding the incident.

“Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos is a historic military success and a glorious victory and a demonstration of our national pride, courage and restraint,” he remarked.

Announcing a national observance, the prime minister said May 10 would now be celebrated every year as Marka-e-Haq Day with great zeal and enthusiasm, though it would not be declared a public holiday.

“I salute every young officer and man of Pakistan who are the heirs of the blood of martyrs and great traditions. I salute the entire nation, who became a wonderful example of faith, unity, discipline.”

Paying tribute to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces Field (CDF) Marshal Syed Asif Munir, the premier said his leadership during the conflict had added new chapters of courage and heroism to the country’s history.

“Field Marshal Syed Asif Munir’s wise and courageous leadership will always be remembered in golden letters. Field Marshal Syed Asif Munir, I and the entire nation salute you. This story of bravery will remain incomplete if I do not mention here in glorious words Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar and his falcons who destroyed enemy planes and exposed the claims of the enemy.”

The prime minister also praised Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar and the Pakistan Air Force for their role during the confrontation.

“Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, I also pay tribute to you and congratulate your falcons. I congratulate Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the men and women of the Navy on the glorious victory of Marka-e-Haq, which struck such terror in the enemy that it did not dare to enter the maritime borders of Pakistan.”

Pm Shehbaz also expressed gratitude to friendly nations for standing by Pakistan during the difficult period, especially US President Donald Trump, whom he credited for helping restore peace in the region and preventing a wider conflict.

“If the flames of war between the two nuclear powers had ignited further, it is not difficult to guess that the outcome would have been terrible. But President Trump played a decisive role in ending the war without wasting a moment. History will always remember his role,” he mentioned.

The prime minister thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other allied countries for their support to Pakistan.

He also appreciated the Chinese leadership and people of China, calling Beijing a dependable and time-tested friend that once again extended full political and moral backing to Pakistan during the crisis.

“The friendship between Pakistan and China is deeper than the ocean, higher than Himalayas and sweeter than honey,” he said adding Pakistan was also making its diplomatic efforts with utmost sincerity in establishing peace in the region.

Referring to Islamabad’s diplomatic role, the prime minister said Pakistan had worked actively to ease tensions between Iran and the United States.

“In this regard, Pakistan not only convinced the parties – Iran and United States to a temporary ceasefire, but also played a key role in bringing them to the negotiating table for the first time since 1979. These dedicated efforts of ours for the sake of lasting peace in the region and the world are still ongoing.”

He also appreciated Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and congratulated Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for working tirelessly on these diplomatic initiatives.

The premier said Pakistan had consistently raised its voice for the oppressed people of Gaza, Palestine and Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who continued to face severe human rights violations.

“Pakistan has provided full diplomatic, political and moral support to its brothers and sisters at every international forum and will continue to do so until the people of Palestine and Occupied Jammu and Kashmir breathe in free air with peace,” he stressed.

Recalling Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif said security forces and law enforcement agencies were continuing operations against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna-tul-Hindustan, where officers and soldiers were sacrificing their lives for the country.

“In the ongoing operation against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna-tul-Hindustan, the brave officers and men of our armed forces and law enforcement agencies are sacrificing their precious lives for the defence of the homeland,” he added.

PM Shehbaz assured that the government would provide every possible facility and resource for the education and training of young people so they could contribute to the country’s progress and prosperity.