The military’s media affairs wing has said that any hostile design against Pakistan will be countered with “even greater strength, precision and resolve far stronger than what was witnessed by the adversary during Marka-i-Haq”.

Last year’s military conflict with India, starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Pakistan’s Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, with a ceasefire ending a military escalation between the two countries on May 10, has been called “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth) by the state.

In a statement released late Wednesday night to mark the first anniversary of the conflict with India, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) “proudly commemorate a defining chapter in the nation’s military history; one that strengthened national confidence, reaffirmed institutional resolve and validated PAF’s relentless pursuit of modernization and focused capability enhancement”.

“This historic milestone reflects PAF’s steadfast journey towards becoming a future-ready air power through smart inductions of cutting-edge systems and swift operationalisation of niche and disruptive technologies, consolidating its operational reorientation,” it said.

The statement added that by mastering the skillful employment of multi-domain operations, PAF continues to consolidate itself into a “future-focused and capable air power, fully prepared to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan in the face of the evolving nature and parameters of modern air warfare”.

“The successful execution of these operations, unprecedented in scope and novel in the history of aerial warfare, not only underscored the professional excellence of PAF but also renewed the pride, confidence and spirit of the resilient Pakistani nation,” it said.

The statement also said that Pakistan was a peace-loving country, and its armed forces embodied a mature and responsible strategic culture.

“Every effort, preparation and endeavour of Pakistan’s armed forces remains dedicated to preserving peace, promoting stability and ensuring security in the region. Peace for Pakistan has always been inseparable from honour, dignity and sovereign equality,” it said.

“Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully cognizant of the evolving geopolitical and regional security environment, as well as the aggressive capability pursuits of adversarial forces,” it said.

It noted that while the strategic environment continued to transform, the resolve, vigilance and commitment of the armed forces to defend the nation remained unwavering.

It said that the country’s armed forces continued to invest in critical capabilities, advanced technologies and professional excellence required to meet future challenges.

“More focused than ever before, they stand prepared for the future battlespace and remain ready to decisively respond to any aggression imposed upon the homeland. Any hostile design against Pakistan will be countered with even greater strength, precision and resolve far stronger than what was witnessed by the adversary during Marka-i-Haq,” ISPR said.

It said that the nation paid tribute to every member of PAF for their professionalism, sacrifice, untiring efforts and exceptional operational focus that remained pivotal to the historical defence of Pakistan’s airspace.

“PAF is and (God willing) will remain second to none, worthy of being a symbol of pride, strength and confidence for this great nation,” ISPR concluded.

What the world witnessed in May 2025 was not achieved overnight, PAF chief says

Separately, Pakis­tan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also addressed a ceremony commemorating Marka-i-Haq. He said that after the Pahalgam incident, India blamed Pakistan without evidence and announced “immature and hasty measures” that created a hostile environment.

He said that Pakistan’s government and its leadership had condemned the incident and offered its cooperation. However, considering the escalatory statement from the other side, the defence forces of Pakistan undertook necessary safeguards, he said.

He said that PAF was observing each and every move by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the buildup to the military escalation.

He said that when India launched the attack in the wee hours of May 7, 2025, PAF mobilised its jets to respond to the aggression.

“Despite being outnumbered, PAF fought aggressively, denying the enemy the opportunity to enter our airspace. The enemy was compelled to stay at a distance from our borders.”

He said that PAF switched from offence to defence when India launched weapons while within its territory. “Within minutes, multiple jets … were shot down. This devastating blow shocked the enemy and IAF was not seen in the air for the remainder of the conflict,” he said.

He said that out of dozens of drones launched on Pakistan, none were allowed to “return home”.

“For the first time in the history of air warfare, PAF conducted full-spectrum multi-domain operations. The world was stunned to witness this superb execution of PAF’s operations that were excellently choreographed and flawlessly executed,” he said.

“This resounding success was the outcome of a unified approach by all elements of national power and God’s special blessing. PAF could have gone further but we exercised maturity,” he said.

“What the world witnessed in May 2025 was not achieved overnight but acquired through our transformative modernisation undertaken within the past four to five years,” he said.

He also saluted PAF members for their professionalism, saying that the nation was proud of their courage and bravery. He said that the victory also reflected the firm resolve of the national leadership and the synergy between the tri-services.

Dar salutes bravery of armed forces

In his message, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the day marked not just a date on the calendar.

“It is a story of courage, unity and unwavering resolve — a story where every soldier stood firm and every citizen stood behind them.”

“On this day, we salute the bravery of our armed forces, our sons and daughters, who rose with discipline and determination to defend our homeland,” he said.

“We also salute the people of Pakistan whose unity became our strength, because when a nation stands as one, no force on earth can shake its foundation,” he said.

Dar said that Pakistan responded to aggression with restraint and clarity of purpose under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “Our response was measured, responsible and precise, guided not by emotion but by principle,” he said.

Dar said that Pakistan remained committed to regional peace and stability. “We believe in dialogue, in diplomacy, and in resolving disputes through justice and mutual respect,” he said.

“At the same time, we reaffirm that any threat to our homeland will be met with national unity, unshakable resolve, and strength through all means available,” it added.

Pakistan gave ‘appropriate response’ to Indian attacks, says Naqvi

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan exercised restraint during the May conflict and only targeted military installations while avoiding civilian areas.

Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad, Naqvi said, “Our objective was never to target their civilians, although they targeted our civilians. Our only objective was to target military installations.”

He said Pakistan’s missile strikes were carried out with precision to avoid civilian casualties. Naqvi also praised the role of Pakistan’s security institutions during the conflict.

“Whether it is the Rangers or Islamabad Police, the way they played their role is commendable,” he said. He further said Pakistani Rangers stationed along the border intercepted several incoming drones.

The interior minister also alleged that India attempted cyberattacks against Pakistan but failed to achieve its objectives. The minister highlighted national unity during the conflict, saying the country displayed unprecedented solidarity.

“For unity in the country, I would most appreciate the work that was done to create one message and one voice in the country, and the way the entire nation was united. There is no example of that in Pakistan’s history,” he remarked.