Ceremony marking one year since Marka-i-Haq victory underway at GHQ

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A ceremony marking one year since Pakistan's victory in the conflict known as Marka-i-Haq is taking place at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Prominent military figures are in attendance, reflecting on the significance of the event for national pride and military resolve.

A ceremony to mark one year since Pakistan’s victory in last year’s conflict with India is underway at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. 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-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth) by the state. Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir is the chief guest at the event, with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf also in attendance. Addressing the ceremony, Field Marshal Munir said the day was a “source of pride” for Pakistan, its public and the armed forces. He recalled that the “enemy made a failed attempt to test our resolve by violating the sovereignty and territory” of Pakistan from the the midnight of May 6/7 till May 10. He asserted this was responded to “with full natioanl unity and military force”. “Marka-i-Haq was not merely a traditional war fought between two countries or militaries, but in reality, it was a decisive marka (battle) between two ideologies, in which thanks to Allah, the truth won and falsehood was met with defeat,” he noted. Quoting a Quranic verse on truth and falsehood, he stressed that the May 2025 conflict was “not a sudden incident, but rather a part of India’s false and a widening pattern of exploitative tactics”. ACM Sidhu and Admiral Ashraf took turns to lay floral wreaths at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Monument), and a salute was presented by smartly turned-out contingents of the three armed forces. The tune of the national anthem was then played. This was followed by the recitation of a Quranic verse from where the phrase “Bunyanum Marsoos” to name Pakistan’s retaliatory operation was derived. ‘Defining landmark’ In their messages issued on Saturday, Field Marshal Munir, ACM Sidhu and Admiral Ashraf congratulated the nation and officers and personnel of the armed forces on the completion of one year since the success of Marka-i-Haq. “Observed with deep reverence, gratitude, and national fervour, the day stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of courage, professionalism, and unity,” a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted them as saying. “Marka-i-Haq has become a defining landmark in the nation’s journey, reflecting national resolve, military excellence, and strategic maturity. This success not only bolstered national confidence but also established Pakistan as a responsible regional stabiliser, possessing formidable military capabilities,” it stated. The statement added that Pakistan’s measured and resolute response during Marka-i-Haq “exposed adversarial conspiracies, false flag narratives and disinformation campaigns, diminishing their credibility internationally”. “Despite facing conventional and hybrid challenges, including proxy terrorism, the armed forces demonstrated superior operational competence across land, air, sea, cyber, and information domains,” it continued. It further read that in the aftermath of Marka-i-Haq, Pakistan had “further enhanced its defensive capabilities and reinforced full-spectrum deterrence despite resource asymmetries”. More to follow