KARACHI - A grand ceremony was held in Karachi on Monday to mark the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq (The Battle of Truth), where Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari hailed Pakistan's "victory" during last year's four-day military conflict with India .
The event, organized by the Sindh government at a local hotel, was attended by top civil and military leadership, including Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Muhammad Owais Dastgir, and DG Rangers Sindh Muhammad Shamrez Tanoli .
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'A Triumph of Unity, Not Just Weapons'
Addressing a packed gathering, the former foreign minister emphasized that Pakistan's success was not defined by military hardware alone .
"This victory was not the victory of weapons alone. It was a triumph of resolve. It was a triumph of unity and of a people who refused to kneel," Bilawal declared, drawing loud applause from the audience .
He recounted how the nation stood united a year ago when Pakistan "stood at the edge of uncertainty [as] the drums of conflict echoed across our borders" .
"The air was thick with fear, speculation, and the designs of those who believed Pakistan could be bent, broken or bullied. They were wrong," he asserted .
Bilawal praised the armed forces for fighting "with courage, discipline and honour," while also acknowledging the diplomatic corps for defending Pakistan's position internationally .
"We are not a nation that bows before pressure. We are not a nation that compromises its sovereignty. We are a nation that rises again and again, stronger, prouder and more united," he affirmed .
Background: The 2025 Conflict
The term 'Marka-e-Haq' refers to the military confrontation between Pakistan and India that began after the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. New Delhi blamed Islamabad without providing evidence, a charge Pakistan denied .
Tensions escalated into air strikes, missile exchanges, and retaliatory operations before a ceasefire was reached on May 10, 2025, following international mediation, with the United States playing a key role .
Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos during the conflict, which according to official claims, resulted in the downing of Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale jets, and dozens of drones . The government subsequently declared May 10 as Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq to be observed annually .
Pakistan Navy's Role Highlighted
The ceremony also highlighted the Pakistan Navy's strategic role during the conflict. Officials dismissed Indian media propaganda claiming attacks on Karachi Port as "false and baseless," stating that the Navy remained "fully alert" and prepared throughout the confrontation .
Earlier this year, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf had revealed that the Pakistan Navy was prepared to target an Indian aircraft carrier during Marka-e-Haq, a posture that forced the Indian Navy to remain confined to its safe havens .
'Peace Must Be Just and Mutual'
Bilawal stressed that while Pakistan does not seek war, the nation will never compromise on its sovereignty .
"Peace must be just, dignified and mutual," he stated, adding that the anniversary should serve as a moment of reflection rather than celebration alone .
Addressing the youth, he said: "This victory belongs to you as much as it does to any institution or any individual. You are the custodians of this nation's future" .
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, speaking on the occasion, recounted that when India cast "an evil eye" upon Pakistan, the nation responded with solidarity. He claimed that within hours of Pakistan's response, India "realized the futility of fighting Pakistan" .
Pakistan's Emergence as a Mediator
Shah also noted that Pakistan has now emerged as a central nation in global conflict resolution efforts, referring to the country's successful role in mediating and establishing a ceasefire in the US-Israeli war on Iran .
