Sindh CM says Pakistan ‘does not want war’ but will never compromise its defense
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari speaking at a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq in Karachi. SCREEN CAPTURE
KARACHI:
Pakistan has “resisted and prevailed” and remains a nation that does not compromise its sovereignty, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Monday, adding that Pakistan continues to emerge “time and again” in the spirit of those before it.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, speaking at a “Marka-e-Haq” ceremony in Karachi, said Pakistan had gone through a period of uncertainty but had emerged stronger through national unity and resilience.
“About a year ago, Pakistan was on the brink of uncertainty,” he said, adding that border tensions had raised fears of conflict.
He said the country faces serious challenges but remains firmly united. “Despite difficult circumstances, Pakistan stood firm,” he said, attributing overcoming the crisis to national unity.
Bilawal said Pakistan’s history was marked by struggle and sacrifice. “Since its creation in 1947, Pakistan has been refined through trials and strengthened through sacrifices,” he said. “This victory was not only about weapons, but about determination and courage,” he added.
Bilawal said that from the mountains of the north to the shores of the Arabian Sea, the nation was in a single line, adding that this unity was also seen “from the fields of Punjab to the deserts of Sindh and Balochistan”.
“The armed forces defended the country with bravery, discipline and dignity,” he said, adding that the diplomats effectively presented Pakistan’s position at the international level.
He said Pakistan would not give in under pressure. “We will never lay down our weapons,” he said.
He accused certain elements abroad of trying to distort history. “Some elements outside the borders are trying to distort history,” he said.
Bilawal added that Pakistan had always preferred peace. “We have never wanted war; we have always preferred peace,” he said.
He concluded that the moment required responsibility and reflection. “This is a time for reflection, not arrogance,” he said.
Addressing a ceremony celebrating the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said Pakistan had responded within hours to the Indian actions. “Just a few hours later, India could not compete,” he said.
He claimed that Pakistani forces had shot down Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, adding: “Airplanes can be good, but it depends on those who fly them.”
Shah said India had engaged in propaganda alleging attacks on Karachi port, which he dismissed as false, adding that Pakistan Navy remained fully alert during the situation. He said Pakistan’s nuclear program was started under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1972 and then advanced under Benazir Bhutto through the missile programme.
“We are a peaceful country; we said we do not want war,” he said, adding that Pakistan will never compromise its defense.
Read: Prime Minister declares ‘Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq’ on May 10 to commemorate the victory of the operation
At the same ceremony, Sharjeel Inam Memon said the day marked national pride and unity. “Today is an important and joyful day for Pakistan,” he said, adding that the armed forces had given a strong response to the enemy. “The day ofMarka-e-Haq‘, Pakistan Army gave a strong response to the enemy and inflicted a humiliating defeat on India,” he said.
He added that the occasion was “nothing less than a festival” and credited former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for laying the foundation for Pakistan’s nuclear capability. “The Quaid-e-Awam had said that we will eat grass, but we will make Pakistan a nuclear power,” he said.
Memon also highlighted the role of Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in raising the Kashmir issue at the international level. “Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the butcher of Gujarat is the butcher of Kashmir,” he said, adding that Bilawal raised the Kashmir issue during his visit to India and faced political threats from the Indian ruling party.
He criticized the Indian media’s coverage of the situation, saying: “Indian television channels were claiming that Lahore and Karachi had been destroyed, when in fact the Pakistani Shaheens had defeated India.”
Pahalgam Attack
On April 22, 2025, escalation between Pakistan and India began when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected India’s blame.
In response, India took a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, 2025, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), canceling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the closure of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff in each country’s embassies.
Tensions escalated further in the early hours of May 7, 2025, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children and the elderly.
Read more: French intelligence official confirms Pakistan’s downing of Rafale
In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale jets. The standoff escalated again in the early hours of May 10, 2025, when India attacked several Pakistani air bases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which damaged Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, air bases and other strategic targets.
On May 10, 2025, United States President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached after intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and India’s Foreign Minister.
