By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s diplomatic missions across the globe observed the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq (The Battle of Truth), paying rich tributes to the valor and professionalism of the Pakistan armed forces and their successful defense of national sovereignty during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
The ceremonies, held in major world capitals, commemorated the events of May 2025, when Pakistani forces delivered a calibrated and decisive response to Indian aggression.
The messages of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were read out at the ceremonies.
In the United States, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh addressed a large gathering in Washington DC, noting that the civil-military leadership and the nation had left an indelible mark on the country’s honor. He also acknowledged the positive role played by President Trump in facilitating a ceasefire between the two nuclear powers.
In New York, UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai described the anniversary as a “defining moment of national unity.” Speakers, including Kashmiri activists and academics, linked lasting regional stability to the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Similarly, the Chicago Consulate brought together the Pakistani-American community to reaffirm their support for the nation’s territorial integrity.
In London, Acting High Commissioner Haseeb bin Aziz hosted British Parliamentarians and diaspora members, praising the “swift and precise” response of the armed forces. The participants were briefed on how the armed forces thwarted enemy designs in exemplary unison.
In Moscow, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi characterized Pakistan’s response as “measured and lawful” under international law. In Brussels, Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi paid homage to the martyrs, while the Madrid mission held special prayers for the fallen soldiers.
The embassy in Bucharest, Romania, emphasized diplomacy over confrontation, while the event in Belgrade, Serbia, showcased a documentary on Pakistan’s strategic discipline during the 2025 crisis.
In Ankara, Turkish Member of Parliament Burhan Kayatürk joined Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid to reiterate Türkiye’s steadfast support, noting that strong defense capabilities are essential deterrents to aggression.
In Baghdad, Ambassador Muhammad Zeeshan Ahmed highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in global diplomacy, particularly its efforts in facilitating a ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran, and encouraging a return to the negotiating table after a 47-year hiatus.
In Kabul, Ambassador Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani issued a call for vigilance against emerging regional threats, citing systemic violence against Muslims in West Bengal as a concerning sign of rising instability. He also urged the Afghan regime to take concrete action against terrorist threats emanating from its soil.
In Colombo, High Commissioner Major General (Retd) Dr. Nayyar Naseer recounted that the May 10 response followed a “false flag operation” in Pahalgam. He stressed that the military targeted only military installations in self-defense. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, the ceremony coincided the anniversary with the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The High Commission in New Zealand hosted the Kiwi-Pakistani community, where speakers declared the nation “One nation under One flag,” standing as an impenetrable wall against threats.
Ambassadors in Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah and Ambassador Dr. Asima Rabbani in Philippines highlighted the unshakeable determination of the nation and the high professional standards of the forces during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
