ISPR calls it ‘historic’ trip, CDF Asim Munir to lead HQ ceremony, President, PM pay tribute
Parliament House was illuminated with green lights to mark the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq in the federal capital. PHOTO: ONLINE
RAWALPINDI:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan cannot be “intimidated or subdued by any aggressor” as the nation prepares to mark the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq with a high-profile ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ) today.
The prestigious ceremony commemorating Pakistan’s historic success at Marka-e-Haq will be held on Sunday at the General Headquarters, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defense Staff (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in attendance as the chief guest.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf will also participate in the event.
The ceremony will begin with laying of wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada, where smartly dressed contingents from all three armed forces will present a salute.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will address the gathering and deliver an important speech highlighting the importance of Marka-e-Haq and the sacrifices made for the defense of the country.
In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military said the brief conflict demonstrated Pakistan’s measured and determined response and “exposed adversary conspiracies, false flag narratives and disinformation campaigns, diminishing its credibility internationally.”
The ISPR said Marka-e-Haq is a “defining milestone” in the nation’s journey.
“Marka-i-Haq has become a defining milestone in the nation’s journey, reflecting national resolve, military excellence and strategic maturity.”
“Despite facing conventional and hybrid challenges, including indirect terrorism, the Armed Forces demonstrated superior operational proficiency in the land, air, maritime, cyber and information domains,” the statement added.
According to ISPR, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf also congratulated the nation and all ranks of the armed forces on the day.
The statement added that the anniversary is celebrated with “deep reverence, gratitude and national fervor,” adding that the day is a testament to the “enduring spirit of bravery, professionalism and unity.”
After Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan strengthened its defense capabilities and strengthened broad-spectrum deterrence despite resource disparity, ISPR said, adding that the occasion is a testimony to the “preparedness, dedication and professionalism” of the military, which decisively strengthened public confidence in its armed forces.
“The anniversary also reaffirms Pakistan’s firm commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty while promoting peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.
“Pakistan believes that sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to international law and principles of justice.”
“Peace lovers but brave”
President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to the nation and the armed forces on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Office, the President said CDF Munir’s leadership, strategy and “brave decisions” were key to the success of Marka-e-Haq.
He also praised the air chief and the Pakistan Air Force for their “exceptional skill and professionalism”.
President Zardari praised the naval chief and the naval forces and described their full operational readiness and defense capabilities as a matter of national pride.
“Pakistan is a responsible and peace-loving state. By giving a strong but measured response to enemy aggression, we have conveyed our defensive capabilities to the world,” the president said.
He added that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir must be resolved in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
“Marka-e-Haq is a testimony that Pakistanis are a peace-loving but brave, resilient and dignified nation, which cannot be intimidated or subdued by any aggressor,” the prime minister said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Expressing gratitude to the Almighty, the prime minister said the day commemorates Pakistan’s “brave stand in adversity” and the “crushing defeat” inflicted on India.
“The nation pays tribute to its martyrs, their families and the ghazis who rose like a wall of steel to defend their homeland,” the statement said.
The Prime Minister said the well-coordinated and synchronized response of Pakistan’s armed forces across land, sea, air and cyber domains established Pakistan as an “invincible nation”.
He said Marka-e-Haq is etched in history as an “epic feat of achieving overwhelming dominance over an enemy, bent on unprovoked aggression.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz maintained that India was administered a “strong dose of reality serum to dispel its illusion of invincibility.”
He maintained that there should be no doubt that any aggression aimed at undermining the country will receive an immediate, adequate and wide-ranging response, adding that the nation “is determined and vigilant to ensure security” along its borders.
The prime minister also paid tribute to Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his bold and courageous leadership, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber and Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf for their strategic prudence, the statement added.
“We also salute the officers and soldiers of the gallant Armed Forces, who, with the unwavering support of the Pakistani nation, have inscribed a new chapter in the Pakistan-India context,” the PMO statement said.
He maintained that Pakistan clearly demonstrated its desire for peace during the conflict, while restoring deterrence and safeguarding its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Referring to terrorism in Pakistan, the prime minister said the nation remains “steadfast in our efforts to eradicate ‘Fitna al Khawarij’ and ‘Fitna al Hindustan’ and take the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion.”
On IIOJK, the Prime Minister maintained that partition remains an unfinished agenda and strategic stability in the region will remain a distant dream without resolution of the Kashmir issue.
“Strategic stability in South Asia, without resolution of the Kashmir issue, would remain a distant dream that must be resolved in accordance with the United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. Pakistan will continue to uphold the fundamental right of freedom and self-determination of the people of Kashmir,” the statement said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz further said that a year later, Pakistan is recognized as a responsible nation that “not only knows how to defend itself but has also become a guarantor of global peace and stability.”
Referring to recent efforts to end the conflict between Iran and the United States, the prime minister said the country had earned global recognition for its role as a key mediator and its efforts to end the violence.
“As we commemorate the sacrifices of our martyrs during Marka-e-Haq, let us pledge to confront our adversaries like a ‘steel wall’ and work selflessly for the glory destined for this great motherland,” the statement concluded.
