The military on Thursday vowed an even stronger response to enemy forces if they resort to any further unprovoked hostilities, as Pakistan marks the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq.
India, on May 6-7, 2025, targeted Islamabad after leveling baseless allegations against Pakistan for an attack in India-held Kashmir. Pakistan responded with full force, with the roughly 80-hour conflict ending on May 10 after mediation from the United States. During the conflict, Pakistan downed several Indian jets, a fact U.S. President Donald Trump often reminds the world of.
In a statement marking the war’s anniversary, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Pakistan’s armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force, 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,” it said.
“This historic milestone reflects Pakistan Air Force’s steadfast journey towards becoming a future-ready air power through smart inductions of cutting-edge systems and swift operationalization of niche and disruptive technologies, consolidating its operational reorientation,” it added.
“By mastering the skillful employment of Multi-domain Operations, Pakistan Air Force 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,” it said. Noting the successful execution of these operations was “unprecedented in scope and novel” in the history of aerial warfare, it said this had underscored the professional excellence of Pakistan Air Force and also renewed the pride, confidence and spirit of the resilient Pakistani nation.
“Pakistan is a peace-loving country, and its Armed Forces embody a mature and responsible strategic culture,” the military’s media wing emphasized. “Every effort, preparation and endeavor of Pakistan Armed Forces remains dedicated to preserving peace, promoting stability and ensuring security in the region. Peace for Pakistan has always been inseparable from honor, dignity and sovereign equality,” it said, echoing remarks issued by a recent Corps Commanders’ Conference.
The statement stressed the armed forces are fully cognizant of the evolving geopolitical and regional security environment, as well as the aggressive capability pursuits of adversarial forces. “While the strategic environment continues to transform, the resolve, vigilance and commitment of Pakistan Armed Forces to defend the nation remain unwavering,” it maintained.
The ISPR said the armed forces are continuing 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,” it said, warning any hostile design against Pakistan would be countered with even greater strength, precision and resolve far stronger than what was witnessed by the adversary during Marka-e-Haq.
“Tonight the nation pays tribute to every member of Pakistan Air Force, for their professionalism, sacrifice, untiring efforts, exceptional operational focus; that remained pivotal to the historical defense of the air space of Pakistan,” it said. “Pakistan Air Force is and InshaAllah will remain Second to None, worthy of being symbol of pride, strength and confidence for this great nation,” it added. “Pakistan hamesha Zindabad.”
PAF was ready
Separately, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also addressed a ceremony commemorating Marka-e-Haq, recalling India had blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident without evidence and announced “immature and hasty measures” fostering hostility.
Noting Islamabad had condemned the incident and offered its cooperation in any neutral investigation, he said India’s escalatory response had prompted Pakistan’s defense forces to prepare necessary safeguards. As part of this, he explained, the PAF was observing all moves by the adversary.
When India launched its attack on May 7, 2025, he recalled, the PAF mobilized 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, adding the PAF had switched from offense to defense after India launched weapons from 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 maintained, adding drones were similarly shot down.
“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, maintaining the Air Force had exercised maturity and restraint.
He also saluted PAF members for their professionalism, saying the nation was proud of their courage and bravery. He said the victory also reflected the firm resolve of the national leadership and the synergy between the tri-services.
Foreign minister’s statement
Also on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued a video statement praising the armed forces and Pakistani citizens. “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 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, adding Islamabad 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,” he added.