ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said Pakistan’s response during last year’s conflict with India was “measured, responsible and precise” as the nation commemorated the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
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In a special message released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar described the 2025 conflict as a defining chapter in Pakistan’s history that reflected national unity, courage and determination in the face of external aggression.
The conflict, referred to as Marka-e-Haq, began after the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the incident, allegations that Islamabad strongly rejected.
Tensions escalated further when India suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, cancelled visas for Pakistani citizens, reduced diplomatic engagement and closed key border crossings.
The situation intensified dramatically on May 7, 2025, when missile strikes targeted several cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure, including mosques.
Pakistan responded militarily by launching Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting strategic Indian military installations and airbases. According to Pakistani officials, several Indian fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft, were shot down during the confrontation.
Speaking on the anniversary, Dar said Pakistan acted under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with “calm resolve and moral clarity”.
“Our response was guided by principles and responsibility, not emotion,” he stated, adding that Pakistan exercised its inherent right of self-defence under the United Nations Charter.
Dar paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces, including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu and Naval Chief Naveed Ashraf for their leadership during the crisis.
He particularly praised the Pakistan Air Force for what he described as “notable operational successes” during the conflict, saying the armed forces demonstrated professionalism, preparedness and national resolve.
The foreign minister also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during the crisis, saying the Foreign Office worked actively at bilateral and international forums to present Pakistan’s stance and prevent further escalation.
Dar reiterated that lasting peace in South Asia would remain impossible without a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace, dialogue and regional stability while warning that any future aggression against the country would be met with unity and a strong response.
The ceasefire between Pakistan and India was eventually announced on May 10, 2025, following intensive diplomatic engagement led by the United States and regional stakeholders.
Concluding his message, Dar urged the nation to remain united and work collectively for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pakistan.
