President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the nation and its armed forces on Saturday, marking the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq. He commended the military leadership for their resolute, strategic, and disciplined response to external aggression, emphasizing the operation’s success under the guidance of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
In his statement, the president highlighted the exceptional professionalism of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and the Pakistan Air Force, alongside Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the naval forces, who maintained full operational readiness and strong defense capabilities throughout the crisis.
President Zardari described the events of April and May last year not merely as a military confrontation but as a defining moment for the nation. He recalled how India, under the pretext of a Pahalgam false flag operation, launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani soil targeting both civilian and military sites. Pakistan’s response, he noted, was marked by discipline, precision, courage, and unity.
He identified Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos as the pivotal element of Marka-e-Haq, showcasing the strength of Pakistan’s armed forces when supported by national solidarity. The president stressed that Pakistan’s reaction was measured, proportionate, and clear in its intent, demonstrating that the country’s deterrence is founded on professional expertise, coordinated tri-service efforts, and the steadfast resolve of its people.
Paying homage to the armed forces and martyrs, President Zardari remarked that every Pakistani becomes a soldier when the nation faces war—some in uniform, many more without. He asserted that Pakistan is now globally recognized not only for its self-defense capabilities but also for its role in fostering peace and stability.
In a significant development, the president referenced Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in recent West Asian tensions, where the country played a key role in facilitating a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, promoting dialogue and helping to prevent further bloodshed, thereby contributing to regional stability.
Addressing the Kashmir dispute, President Zardari stated that any genuine evaluation of South Asia’s security issues must consider this root cause of regional instability. He also condemned India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a dangerous weaponization of water resources. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has withstood wars and hostility between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and was intended to remain insulated from political conflicts.
The president criticized India’s unilateral move to suspend the treaty as legally baseless and harmful to millions dependent on these water resources. He emphasized that water is not a bargaining tool and reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to defend its water rights with the same resolve as its territorial sovereignty.
Finally, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance against terrorism, noting that the country itself has been a victim and remains committed to eradicating extremist elements identified as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan” in all their forms.
