Bilawal hails national unity, armed forces’ role against India during Marka-e-Haq
Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, on Monday hailed the armed forces and national unity, stating that Pakistan had “endured and prevailed” and remained a nation that does not compromise on its sovereignty.
Speaking at a ceremony in Karachi organised by the Sindh government to mark the one-year anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq” against India, Bilawal said that Pakistan had gone through a period of uncertainty but emerged stronger through national unity and resilience.
He added that, about a year ago, Pakistan was on the brink of uncertainty and faced serious challenges. However, despite difficult circumstances, Pakistan stood its ground and remained firmly united.
The PPP chairman stated that from the mountains in the north to the shores of the Arabian Sea, the nation stood united, adding that this unity was also evident “from the fields of Punjab to the deserts of Sindh and Balochistan.”
Bilawal emphasised that Pakistan’s history was shaped by struggle and sacrifice. “Since its creation in 1947, Pakistan has been refined through trials and strengthened through sacrifice,” he said. “This victory was not just of weapons, but of determination and courage.”
“The armed forces defended the country with courage, discipline, and dignity,” he said, also acknowledging that diplomats had effectively presented Pakistan’s position on the international stage.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan would never surrender under pressure, adding, “We have never desired war; we have always preferred peace.”
In conclusion, Bilawal said, “This moment requires responsibility and reflection. This is a time for reflection, not arrogance.”
Addressing a ceremony, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said Pakistan had responded within hours to Indian actions. “Just a few hours later, India was unable to compete,” he said.
He claimed Pakistani forces had downed Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, adding, “Jets can be good, but it depends on those flying them”.
Shah said India had engaged in propaganda claiming attacks on Karachi Port, which he dismissed as false, adding that Pakistan’s Navy remained fully alert during the situation. He said Pakistan’s nuclear programme was initiated under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1972 and later advanced under Benazir Bhutto through the missile programme.
“We are a peaceful country; we said we do not want war,” he said, adding that Pakistan would never compromise on its defence.
Read: PM declares ‘Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq’ on May 10 to mark operation victory
Addressing the same ceremony, Sharjeel Inam Memon said the day marked national pride and unity. “Today is an important and joyful day for Pakistan,” he said, adding that the armed forces had delivered a strong response to the enemy. “On the day of ‘Marka-e-Haq’, the Pakistan Army gave a strong response to the enemy and inflicted a humiliating defeat on India,” he said.
#Live: A ceremony celebrating the one year success of #MarkaEHaq is underway in #Karachi @OfficialDGISPR #OperationBunyanuMarsoos #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/CgjvoqTycs
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 4, 2026
He added that the occasion was “no less than a festival” and credited former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for laying the foundations of Pakistan’s nuclear capability. “The Quaid-e-Awam had said we will eat grass, but we will make Pakistan a nuclear power,” he said.
Memon also highlighted the role of the Pakistan People’s Party Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in raising the Kashmir issue internationally. “Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the butcher of Gujarat is the butcher of Kashmir,” he said, adding that Bilawal raised the Kashmir issue during his visit to India and faced political threats from the Indian ruling party.
He criticised Indian media coverage of the situation, saying, “India’s television channels were claiming that Lahore and Karachi had been destroyed, whereas in reality Pakistani Shaheens had defeated India.”
Pahalgam attack
On April 22, 2025, escalation between Pakistan and India began when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day, on April 23, 2025, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other’s embassies.
Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, 2025, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Read More: French intelligence official confirms downing of Rafale by Pakistan
In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, 2025, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets.
On May 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.Read More
