ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that Pakistan’s historic military response to Indian aggression in May 2025 forced New Delhi to request a ceasefire. He praised the armed forces for their swift response to India during the conflict.
The conflict with India — starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos with a ceasefire between the two countries on May 10 — has been called “Marka-e-Haq” (Battle of Truth) by the state.
Prime Minister Sharif was speaking at a ceremony at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad to commemorate the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq.
The ceremony was also attended by Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, senior military leadership and top government officials.
Prime Minister Sharif said that India made “baseless accusations” against Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack and later launched unprovoked strikes during the night on May 6.
“Our brave armed forces gave a historic response… India was compelled to request a ceasefire after four hours,” PM Sharif said in his address.
PM Sharif praised Pakistan’s military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling his leadership “brave and wise”.
The Prime Minister also commended Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Baber Sidhu and naval leadership, saying Pakistan’s air force “exposed the reality of the adversary’s aerial claims” and the navy ensured territorial waters remained secure.
“The entire nation and I salute you,” PM Sharif said.
He added that Pakistan’s armed forces had demonstrated “principles and self-respect” during the confrontation.
The ceremony began with a march past, recitation of the Holy Quran and patriotic performances.
Participants observed a one-minute silence for those martyred during the conflict.
Prime Minister Sharif announced that 10 May would be observed annually as “Youm-e-Bunyanum Marsoos”.
He also acknowledged diplomatic support from “friendly countries” during the conflict.
The Prime Minister thanked Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their diplomatic and political support.
PM Sharif also mentioned the crucial role played by US President Donald Trump to help end the war with India.
PM Sharif praised the entire Pakistani nation for exemplary unity during the last year conflict with India.
“During Marka-e-Haq, 240 million people stood like a steel wall with their forces,” he said.
Prime Minister Sharif also highlighted Pakistan’s mediation role, saying Islamabad continues its efforts to help mediate an end to the war in the Middle East.
In this regard, Prime Minister Sharif said that he was briefed about Iran’s response to the US proposal to end the war.
“Right now, the Field Marshal [Asim Munir] informed me that [we have] received Iran’s response. I cannot go further into details,” the prime minister added.
