Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari marked Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Thanksgiving) on Friday by paying tribute to martyrs and the armed forces who had helped ensure the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos following Indian aggression last week.
In a statement, the prime minister said the entire nation was observing Youm-e-Tashakur to thank Allah for Pakistan’s remarkable success against Indian provocation. Recalling the night of May 6/7, he said India had launched a cowardly attack, martyring innocent civilians and compelling Pakistan to respond forcefully.
“In just a few hours, a much larger enemy was brought to its knees. Their pride, the Rafale jets, were reduced to ashes by our Shaheens,” he said, commending the professionalism and courage of the armed forces. They “responded in the enemy’s language,” he said, foiling hostile designs with precision. “Their airbases and weapon stockpiles turned to rubble in the blink of an eye,” he added.
Sharif also hailed the leadership of Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf for their role in defending the nation’s frontiers. He emphasized that the success was not just military, but also a triumph of Pakistan’s national honor and unity. “The entire nation stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces like a fortified wall,” he said.
The prime minister concluded his statement by thanking all political parties, both opposition and allied, for showing historic solidarity and exemplary unity in Pakistan’s conflict with India.
No Compromise
In his message, President Zardari vowed Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or its core national interests. He warned that any aggression against the homeland would receive a full force response.
“It is a great moment for us to celebrate the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in response to Indian unprovoked aggression. I am grateful to Almighty Allah for blessing us with victory in this critical hour,” he said.
“I pay tribute to the valiant soldiers of the Pakistan armed forces and the entire military leadership, especially the joint chiefs of staff committee, the chief of army staff, the chief of air staff, and the chief of naval staff,” he said. This, he stressed, was a victory of the entire Pakistani nation, who stood like Bunyanum Marsoos (ironclad wall) against enemy aggression.
Stating he was proud of the armed forces who responded to Indian provocation with precision, professionalism, and strength, he said he was glad the world witnessed and acknowledged Pakistan’s patience and restraint as well as operational effectiveness. “We stood firm. We stood united. And we emerged victorious with dignity,” he said.
“Pakistan is a peace-loving country and does not harbor aggressive design against any country. However, let there be no doubt, Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or its core national interests. Any aggression against our homeland will be met with full force,” he added.
“We reject any unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty as there is no such provision in the Treaty. Pakistan will utilize all elements of national power to protect its water rights at all costs,” he warned.
“To our brave soldiers—those who stood their ground, who risked and sacrificed their lives—we offer them our eternal gratitude,” he said. “As president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I affirm today that we will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our armed forces, and we will always remain like a solid rock to defend every inch of our motherland. May Allah bless our nation,” he said.