ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday described “Marka-e-Haq” as one of the most significant chapters in Pakistan’s national history, saying the country had delivered a “calibrated and shocking response” to Indian aggression while exercising restraint as a responsible state.
The president was addressing a special ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad to mark the first anniversary of the conflict that began after the April 22 Pahalgam attack and concluded with a ceasefire following Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos on May 10 last year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Baber Sidhu also attended the ceremony alongside senior civil and military officials, foreign diplomats and political leaders.
In his speech, President Zardari accused India of launching unprovoked aggression based on false flag Pahalgam incident.
“India launched airstrikes on Pakistan’s civilian and worship places without any justification,” he said, while also criticising Indian media for spreading fabricated narratives during the conflict.
The president stated that Pakistan’s armed forces responded effectively under the “dynamic leadership” of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“To this, Pakistan gave a calibrated and shocking response to the Indian aggression,” he said.
President Zardari maintained that despite its military capability, Pakistan chose restraint and maturity in its actions.
“Our response was mature and measured, being a responsible and peace-preferring state,” he remarked.
Praising the Pakistan Air Force, the president said its pilots had demonstrated exceptional skill and confidence during the confrontation despite facing a numerically larger adversary.
“Our pilots faced a larger adversary, but with extraordinary skills and confidence, they defended our skies,” he said.
Our air force downed eight enemy aircrafts during the conflict, delivering a response that became a defining moment of the resolve and national pride. Pakistan navy through an operational preparation and combat capabilities, defended our seas, frontiers, compelling the Indian… pic.twitter.com/6fBZyRfLC1
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) May 10, 2026The president claimed that Pakistan downed eight Indian aircraft during the conflict, describing it as a defining moment reflecting the nation’s resolve and pride.
He also lauded the Pakistan Navy, saying its operational readiness and combat preparedness ensured the security of the country’s maritime boundaries during the tensions.
President Zardari said the events of Marka-e-Haq reflected national unity and solidarity, adding that Pakistan had sent a message to the international community that it remained “united, vigilant and resolute like a wall”.
During his address, the president criticised India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam incident, calling the move an act of “hydro-terrorism”.
He reiterated Pakistan’s diplomatic and political support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that the issue should be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
The president also called for an end to what he described as “India-sponsored terrorism” in Pakistan through Afghan territory and urged that Afghan soil should not be used against neighbouring countries.
PM Shehbaz announces annual 'Youm-e-Bunyan-un-Marsoos' commemoration on May 10
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements, President Zardari praised PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts in regional diplomacy, particularly in relation to mediation efforts involving the United States and Iran.
He said those efforts had strengthened Pakistan’s reputation as a “regional stabiliser”.
“I want to conclude by underlining that Pakistan’s armed forces are capable and always ready to defend our sovereignty and national interest in the face of any challenge,” the president said.
The ceremony at the Pakistan Monument began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and a ceremonial march past by contingents of the armed forces, while patriotic songs were also performed during the event.