Pak-India clash anniversary: Armed forces reiterate resolve to defend Pakistan against any threat
Pakistan military’s media wing has said that hostile designs against the country will be met with a response of even greater strength, precision, and resolve than what the adversary experienced during Marka-i-Haq, the conflict with India that began after the April 22 Pahalgam attack and ended with a ceasefire on May 10 following Pakistan’s Operation Bunyanum Marsoos which was referred to as the “Battle of Truth”.
In a statement issued late Wednesday night marking the first anniversary of the standoff with India, the 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”.
The statement said that the milestone reflected what it called the 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 added that through multi-domain operational capability, the PAF was continuing to evolve 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”.
According to ISPR, the operations carried out during the conflict were “unprecedented in scope and novel in the history of aerial warfare”, adding that they highlighted the professional competence of the air force while also “renewed the pride, confidence and spirit of the resilient Pakistani nation”.
The statement further said that Pakistan remained a peace-oriented country and that its armed forces followed a responsible strategic approach.
“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 also said that the armed forces were aware of changing regional dynamics and developments in adversarial capabilities.
It added that while the strategic environment was evolving, the resolve of the armed forces remained firm, saying their focus was on preparedness, capability development and professional excellence for 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.
The statement paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force personnel for their performance during the conflict, calling their efforts central to the defence of national 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,” it said.
Separately, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also addressed a ceremony held in connection with Marka-i-Haq.
He said that after the Pahalgam incident, India accused Pakistan without evidence and took “immature and hasty measures” that escalated tensions. He added that Pakistan’s leadership had condemned the incident and offered cooperation.
He said that the PAF closely monitored developments ahead of the escalation.
According to him, when India launched attacks on May 7, 2025, the air force responded immediately.
“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 added that when India launched weapons from within its own territory, the PAF switched to defensive and offensive coordination, claiming that multiple aircraft were shot down within minutes, which affected the adversary’s air operations for the remainder of the conflict.
He also said that drones launched toward Pakistan were intercepted, adding that none were allowed to return.
“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.
He added that the outcome was the result of coordinated national effort and modernisation over the past several years.
“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 praised personnel for their role in the conflict and said the success reflected coordination between national institutions.
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a separate message, said that the day represented more than 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”.
He said that Pakistan’s armed forces acted with discipline and determination, adding that national unity strengthened the response.
He also said that Pakistan’s response to the conflict was measured and guided by principle under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif.
Dar reiterated that Pakistan supports peace and dialogue.
“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.
