Marka-e-Haq: The night Pakistan claimed air supremacy over India

Rawalpindi, May 10, 2026 — Pakistan on Sunday commemorated the first anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq,” the military confrontation between Pakistan and India in May 2025, with nationwide ceremonies, tributes to martyrs, and renewed declarations of national unity and military preparedness.
Over 200 events were arranged nationwide including in educational institutions and Pakistan’s missions abroad also held special events to celebrate this historic win of Pakistan over its archrival India.
The central ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir addressed senior military officials, veterans, and families of martyrs. The event was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.
The anniversary commemorates Pakistan’s military response to what officials described as Indian aggression during the conflict of May 9–10, 2025, which Pakistan refers to as “Marka-e-Haq” and which concluded with a ceasefire following Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

At the outset of the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Admiral Naveed Ashraf laid floral wreaths at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada to honour martyrs of the conflict. Field Marshal Asim Munir also laid a wreath and offered Fateha for the departed souls of soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the confrontation.
Addressing the gathering, Field Marshal Asim Munir warned that any future aggression against Pakistan would invite a severe response.
“The enemy must understand that any future misadventure against Pakistan will have extremely dangerous, far-reaching and painful consequences,” he said.
Describing Marka-e-Haq as a historic and decisive moment, the army chief stated that Pakistan had achieved an “unprecedented success” through unity, faith, and military professionalism.
“Marka-e-Haq was a decisive battle between two ideologies in which truth prevailed, and falsehood faced defeat,” he remarked.
The field marshal said Pakistan would never allow any effort aimed at destabilising the regional balance of power and rejected what he termed India’s ambitions to isolate Pakistan diplomatically or weaken it militarily.
“India dreams of targeting Pakistan through military aggression and diplomatic isolation. This dream is far beyond its capability and Pakistan will never allow it to succeed,” he added.
Paying tribute to martyrs and veterans, he particularly remembered innocent civilians — including women, elderly citizens, and children — who lost their lives during the conflict.
“The sacrifices of martyrs are a trust, our strength is a responsibility, and our success is a blessing from Almighty Allah,” he said.
In a detailed statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military leadership congratulated the nation and members of the armed forces on the completion of one year of Marka-e-Haq.
The statement said the anniversary was being observed with “deep reverence, gratitude, and national fervour,” describing the occasion as a symbol of courage, professionalism, and unity between the armed forces and the people of Pakistan.
“Marka-e-Haq has become a defining landmark in the nation’s journey, reflecting national resolve, military excellence, and strategic maturity,” the ISPR stated.
According to the military’s media wing, ceremonies were organised across the country to honour martyrs and veterans. Floral wreaths were laid at memorials, while special prayers were held in recognition of sacrifices made for the country’s sovereignty and security.
The ISPR maintained that Pakistan’s response during the 2025 conflict demonstrated superior operational capability across multiple domains, including land, air, sea, cyber, and information warfare.
“Pakistan’s measured and resolute response during Marka-e-Haq exposed adversarial conspiracies, false flag narratives and disinformation campaigns, diminishing their credibility internationally,” the statement added.
The military also asserted that despite facing “conventional and hybrid challenges, including proxy terrorism,” the armed forces successfully defended the country and strengthened public confidence in national defence institutions.
The conflict, which began following the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack, escalated rapidly before ending with a ceasefire on May 10 after Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Military officials and speakers at the ceremony described the operation as a demonstration of Pakistan’s strategic preparedness and operational discipline.
A separate message released on the occasion praised the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying his “resolute and visionary leadership” played a key role in defending the country during a critical period.
“Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos reflected the exceptional strength, professionalism, and operational excellence of our Armed Forces, who defended the sovereignty and dignity of the motherland with remarkable precision, valour, and determination,” the statement said.
Officials also highlighted what they called enhanced national confidence and strengthened deterrence capabilities achieved in the aftermath of the conflict.
Across Pakistan, commemorative events were organised at military installations, educational institutions, and public venues. Special prayers were offered in mosques for the martyrs, while state institutions aired documentaries and special transmissions recalling the events of May 2025.
Families of martyrs were invited to various ceremonies where military officials paid tribute to their sacrifices. Citizens also visited martyrs’ memorials in several cities to lay flowers and offer prayers.
Government officials, political leaders, veterans’ associations, and civil society representatives issued statements praising the armed forces and reaffirming solidarity with national defence institutions.
Despite the strong military messaging, Pakistan’s leadership reiterated its commitment to regional peace and stability.
The ISPR statement emphasised that Pakistan believes sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through “meaningful dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law and principles of justice.”
At the same time, military officials maintained that Pakistan remained fully prepared to counter both internal and external threats.
“With the unwavering support of a resilient and united nation, the Armed Forces remain capable, vigilant, and fully prepared to confront all internal and external challenges, ensuring the security, stability and territorial integrity of Pakistan,” the statement said.
The anniversary concluded with renewed expressions of national unity and tributes to soldiers, officers, martyrs, and veterans who participated in the conflict.
“Marka-e-Haq shall forever remain a symbol of national unity, resilience, and our collective determination to safeguard Pakistan at all costs,” the concluding message stated.
“Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, yet equally unwavering in defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national honour against any threat.”

On the first anniversary of Maarka-e-Haq, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces & martyrs, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty, water rights and regional peace through strength, unity & responsible diplomacy.