PM hails armed forces’ ‘historic victory’ in Marka-e-Haq, declares May 10 national day of resolve

• Premier Shehbaz pays glowing tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir for ‘wise and courageous leadership’

• Says Pakistan crushed enemy aggression during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos within hours, declaring May 10 as ‘Marka-e-Haq Day’

• Praises PAF, Navy and armed forces for defending sovereignty with ‘historic response,’ crediting Trump for helping prevent wider regional war

• President says India launched unprovoked aggression using Pahalgam incident as pretext

• Credits PAF for downing eight Indian aircraft and defending national airspace, calling IWT suspension ‘hydro-terrorism’

• Reaffirms Pakistan’s diplomatic support for Kashmir and regional stability

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday paid glowing tribute to the leadership of Pakistan’s armed forces, led by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, for demonstrating “exemplary courage and valour” during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and defeating what he termed the enemy’s “nefarious designs” in May 2025.

Addressing a ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument to mark the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq Bunyanum Marsoos, the prime minister said India used the Pahalgam incident as a pretext to launch aggression against Pakistan, despite Islamabad exercising restraint to prevent escalation.

LIVE: NATIONAL BUNYAN UM MARSOOS CEREMONY 2026 https://t.co/8tloQUigea

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 10, 2026

He said Pakistan had warned the enemy of the consequences of confrontation and had also offered a transparent investigation into the Pahalgam incident.

“But the cowardly enemy, as always, launched an unannounced war on Pakistan under the cover of darkness by targeting our mosques, children and innocent citizens,” the prime minister said.

“Pakistan’s armed forces responded with historic force and determination,” he added.

“Our brave soldiers entered the battlefield while our falcons dominated the skies. Our missiles destroyed India’s air defence system and debris of enemy equipment was scattered everywhere. Within just four hours, the enemy sought a ceasefire,” he said.

پاکستان مانومنٹ اسلام آباد میں ہونے والی معرکہ حق کی خصوصی تقریب میں شہداء وطن کو شاندار خراج عقیدت اورغازیوں کوسلام پیش کیا گیا۔
تفصیل محمد فیصل راؤ سے۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/APg5rZZax9

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 10, 2026

The prime minister remarked that despite the passage of a year, India had failed to present any evidence regarding the Pahalgam incident.

“Operation Bunyanum Marsoos stands as a historic military success, a glorious victory and a manifestation of our national pride, courage and restraint,” he said.

PM Shehbaz Sharif announced that May 10 would officially be observed every year as “Marka-e-Haq Day”, to be celebrated nationwide with enthusiasm and national spirit, though without a public holiday.

“I salute every young officer and soldier of Pakistan who are heirs to the blood of our martyrs and guardians of our glorious traditions,” he said.

معرکہ حق کی اسلام آباد میں تقریب pic.twitter.com/ZAnq7T3PvC

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 10, 2026

“I also salute the entire nation, which became a shining example of faith, unity and discipline.”

The prime minister paid special tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying his “wise and courageous leadership” during the conflict would be remembered “in golden words”.

“Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I and the entire nation salute you,” he said.

He also praised Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and the Pakistan Air Force for destroying enemy aircraft and exposing what he called the enemy’s false claims.

“I congratulate Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar and his falcons,” he added.

"اللّٰہ ربِ ذوالجلال کے حضور پوری عاجزی کے ساتھ سجدۂ شکر ادا کرتے ہیں، جس نے معرکۂ حق کو عظیم الشان فتح میں بدل دیا اور وطنِ عزیز پاکستان کو اقوامِ عالم میں سربلند کر کے منفرد اور ممتاز مقام دلوایا۔

گزشتہ برس پہلگام کے افسوسناک واقعے کو جواز بنا کر بھارت نے ہم پر بے بنیاد… pic.twitter.com/nLNlCBEDQ2

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 10, 2026

The prime minister also commended Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Pakistan Navy personnel, saying their preparedness and operational posture prevented the enemy from approaching Pakistan’s maritime boundaries.

PM Shehbaz thanked Pakistan’s friendly and brotherly countries for supporting Islamabad during the conflict, particularly Donald Trump, whom he credited with playing a “historic role” in restoring peace to the region.

“If the flames of war between two nuclear powers had intensified further, the consequences could have been catastrophic,” he said.

“But President Trump acted decisively to stop the war without delay. History will always remember his role.”

The prime minister also expressed gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other friendly countries for their support.

He particularly thanked the leadership and people of China, describing Beijing as Pakistan’s “reliable and trusted friend” that once again extended full political and moral support during difficult times.

" معرکۂ حق کے دوران ہمارے برادر اور دوست ممالک نے سفارتی محاذ پر پاکستان کا بھرپور ساتھ دیا۔ اس غیر متزلزل حمایت پر میں دل کی گہرائیوں سے اپنے برادر اور دوست ممالک کا شکریہ ادا کرتا ہوں۔

میں بالخصوص امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کا بھی شکریہ ادا کرنا چاہتا ہوں، جنہوں نے خطے میں امن اور… pic.twitter.com/kYnmW0NHep

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 10, 2026

“The friendship between Pakistan and China is deeper than the oceans, higher than the Himalayas and sweeter than honey,” he remarked.

The premier said Pakistan was also continuing sincere diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing peace in the region.

“In this regard, Pakistan not only facilitated a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the United States, but also played a key role in bringing them to the negotiating table for the first time since 1979,” he said.

“These sincere efforts for lasting peace in the region and the world are continuing.”

The prime minister commended Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for his diplomatic efforts and congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir for his dedication and leadership throughout the process.

PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for the people of Gaza, Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying Islamabad had consistently raised its voice against human rights violations at every international forum.

" پاکستان ہمیشہ مظلوم اقوام کے حقوق اور انصاف کے لیے توانا آواز بن کر دنیا کے سامنے کھڑا ہوا ہے۔ غزہ کی سرزمین پر فلسطینیوں پر ڈھائے جانے والے مظالم ہوں یا مقبوضہ جموں و کشمیر میں انسانی حقوق کی سنگین پامالیاں، پاکستان نے ہر عالمی فورم پر اپنے ان بھائیوں کی بھرپور سفارتی، سیاسی… pic.twitter.com/2iJeM3B2BL

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 10, 2026

“Pakistan has provided full diplomatic, political and moral support to its brothers and sisters and will continue to do so until the people of Palestine and Occupied Jammu and Kashmir breathe in freedom and peace,” he said.

The prime minister also recalled Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism, saying officers and personnel of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies continued to lay down their lives in operations against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.

He assured that the government would provide all possible resources for the education and training of youth so they could contribute effectively to the country’s development and progress.

 Pakistan gave ‘calibrated and shocking response’ to India: President Zardari

Speaking after the prime minister, President Asif Ali Zardari described Marka-e-Haq as “one of the most important chapters” in Pakistan’s national history.

صدر آصف علی زرداری نے کہا ہے کہ 10مئی ملکی تاریخ کا روشن باب ہے۔معرکہ حق میں افواج پاکستان نے دشمن کی جارحیت کا منہ توڑ جواب دیتے ہوئے پاک سرزمین کا دفاع یقینی بنایا۔ اپنے بہادر سپوتوں کو سلام پیش کرتے ہیں۔ تفصیل بتا رہے ہیں شاہ رخ شفیع ۔۔ pic.twitter.com/5hf8y6m2Kf

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 10, 2026

He said India resorted to unprovoked aggression on the basis of a false flag Pahalgam incident and launched airstrikes on Pakistan’s civilian areas and places of worship without justification, while its media disseminated fabricated narratives to mislead public opinion.

“To this aggression, Pakistan delivered a calibrated and shocking response under the dynamic leadership of CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir,” he said.

President Zardari maintained that despite possessing full military capability, Pakistan exercised restraint and responded in a “mature and measured” manner as a responsible and peace-preferring state.

He said the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) demonstrated during Marka-e-Haq that it was second to none.

“Our pilots faced a larger adversary, but with extraordinary skill and confidence, they defended our skies,” he said, recalling that Pakistan downed eight Indian aircraft, a moment that became a defining symbol of national resolve and pride.

He also praised the Pakistan Navy, saying it “through operational readiness and combat capability, successfully defended our maritime frontiers.”

The president said Pakistan’s victory reflected national unity and sent a clear message to the world that the country remained “united, vigilant and resolute like a wall.”

He described India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam incident as “hydro-terrorism.”

President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that the dispute must be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

He also called for an end to what he described as “India-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan through Afghanistan” and the use of Afghan soil for cross-border terrorism.

Concluding his remarks, the president said the diplomatic efforts of CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had enhanced Pakistan’s global image as a “regional stabiliser”, particularly in relation to its mediatory role in the US-Iran dialogue.

“I conclude by stating that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully capable and always ready to defend our sovereignty and national interests in the face of any challenge,” he said.

The ceremony began with a march past and recitation of the Holy Quran.

A fly-past was also planned but could not take place due to bad weather, while patriotic songs were performed during the ceremony.

Countrywide celebrations erupt to commemorate Marka-e-Haq victory

Nationwide celebrations continued as Pakistan marked the victory over India in the conflict imposed on May 8, 2025.

From Karachi to Khyber, Kashmir to Gwadar, commemorative events were held across the country, including rallies, seminars, candlelight vigils and ceremonies in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Officials and citizens described Marka-e-Haq as a turning point reflecting national resolve, military prowess and strategic maturity. The success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos was credited with strengthening national confidence and reinforcing Pakistan’s image as a responsible regional power.

Across the country, citizens expressed gratitude to the armed forces for their professionalism and sacrifice.

In several cities, rallies and events were organised, including bicycle rallies and public gatherings, where participants chanted slogans in support of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

Special ceremonies were also held at municipal levels to mark one year of Marka-e-Haq, attended by administrative officials and senior police officers.

Rallies and events in Azad Kashmir

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rallies, seminars, exhibitions and cake-cutting ceremonies marked the occasion.

A major rally was organised in Muzaffarabad by the Working Committee of post-1989 migrants from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Participants carried Pakistani and AJK flags and banners reading “We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is ours.”

Rally leaders said Kashmiris placed their hopes in a strong Pakistan and credited the military leadership for what they described as a “humiliating defeat” to India.

Separately, acting AJK President and Chinar Division GOC inaugurated a Pakistan Army defence exhibition showcasing modern weapons, communication systems and military equipment, which attracted large public participation, especially youth.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies and wreath-laying events were also held at martyrs’ memorials, accompanied by salutes from Pakistan Army contingents. A special message from Field Marshal Asim Munir was also read on the occasion.

In Kotli, a large rally and public gathering were held with the participation of federal leadership, where speakers praised the armed forces and highlighted the sacrifices of residents along the Line of Control.

Similar events were organised across districts of AJK, including educational institutions and government offices, featuring cake-cutting ceremonies and prayers for Pakistan’s stability and Kashmir’s freedom.

Kabul event

In Kabul, Pakistan’s ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to defend itself against aggression, stating that the enemy attacked the nation and the armed forces responded on behalf of every Pakistani.

He paid tribute to the armed forces and said Pakistan’s desire for peace must never be mistaken for weakness, according to a statement issued by the embassy.