Pakistan’s military has warned of a “stronger and more decisive response” to any future aggression, as the country marked the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, a military confrontation with India that Islamabad describes as a defining moment in its recent security history.
In statements released on Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), were commemorating what it called a “historic milestone” that reinforced operational readiness, institutional confidence, and defence modernisation.
The military said Pakistan remains committed to peace but is fully prepared to respond to any violation of its sovereignty. “Any hostile design against Pakistan will be countered with even greater strength, precision and resolve,” the ISPR said, adding that the armed forces continue to invest in advanced technologies and multi-domain operational capabilities.
The commemorations come amid renewed political messaging around last year’s conflict, which Islamabad says followed Indian strikes on Pakistani territory after accusations related to an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. India has not independently confirmed Pakistan’s version of the events.
According to Pakistani military accounts, the confrontation lasted more than 80 hours and ended on May 10, 2025, following diplomatic intervention by the United States. Islamabad claims multiple Indian aircraft and drones were downed during the exchange, while describing its own response as “measured and proportionate.”
At a ceremony held at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu said Pakistan had delivered a “full and befitting response” to Indian actions and highlighted what he described as the operational success of the air force in multiple domains, including electronic and cyber warfare. He reiterated that the Pakistan Air Force remains prepared for evolving threats and future conflicts.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Marka-e-Haq was not only a military milestone but also a demonstration of national unity. He said Pakistan’s response last year was guided by “principle and restraint” and claimed it demonstrated the country’s right to self-defence under international law.
Dar also said Pakistan had undertaken diplomatic engagement during the crisis to present its position internationally, while reaffirming that regional peace depends on resolving long-standing disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir.
The military statement and political leadership speeches collectively framed the anniversary as both a commemoration and a strategic signal, underscoring Pakistan’s emphasis on deterrence, military preparedness, and regional stability.
The armed forces said they remain “fully cognisant of the evolving regional security environment” and warned that any future escalation would be met with a response “far stronger” than in the past.