Marka-e-Haq reaffirms Pakistan’s strategic global importance: Envoy Sheikh

• Rizwan Saeed Sheikh says armed forces, leadership and nation stood like ‘Bunyanum Marsoos’

• India misread Pakistan’s desire for peace as weakness, envoy asserts

• Ceremony in Washington marks first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq victory

• Tributes paid to armed forces for defending sovereignty with professionalism and courage

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh on Saturday said that during “Marka-e-Haq,” Pakistan’s armed forces, civil and military leadership, and the entire nation demonstrated the country’s geographical importance, sovereignty and national pride, adding that India had misconstrued Islamabad’s “desire for peace as weakness.”

Addressing a ceremony held at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington to mark the first anniversary of the historic “Marka-e-Haq” victory, the ambassador said Pakistan had once again proven its unity and resilience by safeguarding its territorial integrity and national dignity during the conflict.

The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington hosted a grand ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq - a testament of historical significance to Pakistan’s unity, resilience, and unwavering national resolve.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of… pic.twitter.com/rbdXgc0DCG

— Pakistan Embassy US (@PakinUSA) May 9, 2026

He said Pakistan occupied one of the most strategically significant and sensitive regions in the world, adding that the farsighted vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah had foreseen Pakistan’s emergence as a pivotal global state — a prediction, he said, was increasingly being validated.

Ambassador Sheikh said Pakistan was created to protect the honour and dignity of the Muslims of the subcontinent and stressed that the nation would never compromise on its sovereignty or national honour. He added that the situation of Muslims in India today further reinforced the wisdom behind the creation of Pakistan.

The term “Marka-e-Haq” refers to the 2025 conflict with India, which began with the April 22 Pahalgam attack and concluded with a ceasefire on May 10 following Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

The event resonated with passionate chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” and national songs, reviving the spirit of “Bunyanum Marsoos.” Participants reaffirmed their resolve to make any sacrifice necessary for protecting Pakistan’s integrity and dignity.

Tributes were paid to the armed forces for serving as an “iron wall” in defence of the country’s sovereignty and for confronting the enemy with professionalism, courage and resolve. The Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy were praised for their dedication and operational excellence.

Participants also lauded the civil and military leadership for providing decisive and effective direction during what was described as unjustified Indian aggression and a period of heightened national security threat.

Messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out during the ceremony, while video messages from the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and the Defence Minister reiterated the national resolve to make every sacrifice for the country.

Defence Attaché Brigadier Irfan Ali conveyed the message of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir to the participants.

Ambassador Sheikh said the Pakistani nation had fought for its survival with resilience and courage since independence, adding that history had shown that global security was closely linked with Pakistan’s stability and security.

He said Pakistan had consistently played a constructive role over the past eight decades on political, diplomatic and international fronts.

Referring to regional peace efforts amid United States-Iran tensions, he said Pakistan’s role reflected its longstanding diplomatic tradition of promoting stability and dialogue.

The ambassador said Pakistan had always remained a key contributor to global and regional peace efforts, adding that India had paid a heavy price for misinterpreting Pakistan’s commitment to peace as weakness.

He also thanked US President Donald Trump for playing a positive role in efforts to secure a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed countries.

Ambassador Sheikh said the 88-hour sequence of events had reignited the spirit of Pakistani identity among overseas Pakistanis across the world.

He stressed that setting aside differences and demonstrating unity for national security, reconstruction and development was a shared national responsibility.

The ambassador further said the philosophy of “Bunyanum Marsoos” was closely linked to Pakistan’s economic development and national strength.