Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has commended Pakistan’s conduct during the military confrontation with India last year, describing the nation’s response as measured, responsible, and precise. Speaking on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, Dar paid tribute to the steadfast determination of the Pakistani people and armed forces throughout the 2025 conflict.
The hostilities began after the Pahalgam attack on 22 April 2025 and concluded with a ceasefire on 10 May following the launch of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos. In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar referred to this period as a defining moment that showcased the unshakable foundation of Pakistan when its citizens stand united.
He emphasized that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, the government acted with moral clarity, guided by principles rather than emotions. Reflecting on the military achievements during the crisis, Dar described Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos as more than a mere military victory, asserting that Pakistan exercised its inherent right to self-defense as outlined in the UN Charter.
Dar specifically lauded the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Admiral Naveed Ashraf. He highlighted the Pakistan Air Force’s significant operational successes, including the downing of multiple Indian fighter jets, among them three Rafale aircraft, and the neutralization of strategic military targets.
The minister noted that these actions were a direct response to escalating Indian hostilities, which intensified on 7 May 2025 when missile strikes targeted six cities across Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). These attacks resulted in the destruction of a mosque and the deaths of dozens of civilians. Dar maintained that Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes on Indian airbases and missile storage facilities were necessary to safeguard territorial integrity and deter further aggression.
Beyond military efforts, Dar underscored the vital role of the Foreign Office in articulating Pakistan’s stance on international platforms. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability through dialogue, while stressing that lasting peace in South Asia hinges on resolving the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
The 2025 crisis also witnessed a diplomatic breakdown, with India suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Wagah-Attari border, and ordering the closure of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Hostilities finally ceased on 10 May 2025 after intensive overnight diplomatic negotiations involving US President Donald Trump.
Concluding his remarks, Dar called on the nation to remain united, emphasizing that the anniversary is not only a reflection on past events but also a pledge to shape the future. He urged citizens to reject division and work towards a prosperous Pakistan, warning that any future threats to the country would be met with unwavering resolve and strength by all means available.
