ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday appreciating the “calibrated yet shocking” response to the Indian aggression during Marka-e-Haq last year, reaffirmed that the Pakistani nation and armed forces were well capable and always ready to defend the territorial integrity and national interests in the face of any challenge.
The president, addressing the event held at the Pakistan Monument to commemorate the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, recalled that twelve months had passed since one of the most important chapters in Pakistan’s national history.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, federal ministers, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, diplomats, students and people from different walks of life.
“India chose unprovoked aggression on the basis of false flag Pehalgam incident and launched air strikes on Pakistani civilians and worship places without any justification. Indian media misled their nation by projecting fabricated stories and dreams,” he recalled.
He said that the Pakistani nation and the armed forces under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir gave a “calibrated yet shocking” response to the Indian aggression.
“Our military was capable of causing far more degradation to the enemy yet our response was measured being a responsible and peace preferring state. The professionalism and valour displayed by our brave officers, men in uniform and our nation have made us proud and earned worldwide recognition,” he commented.
The president said that the Pakistan Air Force proved that they were second to none as the pilots faced a larger adversary with extraordinary skills and confidence and defended the country’s skies with precision.
“Our Air Force downed eight enemy aircrafts during the conflict, delivering a response that became a defining moment of resolve and national pride,” President Zardari remarked, adding that Pakistan Navy too, through its operational preparedness and combat capabilities, defended the sea frontiers compelling the Indian aircraft carrier to maintain a defensive posture.
President Zardari highlighted that Pakistan’s victory wasn’t confined to the military domain only as it reflected unity and harmony of its nation.
“It gave a message to the world once again, that we remain united, vigilant and resolute like a steel wall.”
President Zardari told the gathering that the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir needed to be resolved in accordance with UN Resolutions as the Indian atrocities and grave human rights violations had failed to deter brave Kashmiri people.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue its moral, political and diplomatic support to the just cause of Kashmiri people.
He highlighted that the unilateral and illegal attempt by India to suspend Indus Water Treaty amounted to hydro-terrorism.
“Water is life for millions of our citizens. This blatant violation of international laws endangers regional stability and must be addressed with seriousness,” he added.
Coming to the Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan through Afghanistan, he sought its end and called upon Afghanistan to not allow its soil to be used for terrorism in Pakistan and other neighbouring countries.
The president also called for an immediate end to the suffering and genocide of innocent women and children in Gaza, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support to the legitimate rights of Palestinian people of an independent state with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Highlighting Pakistan’s mediation efforts to end the regional conflict, President Zardari said, “Alhamdolillah, due to the relentless efforts of the Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has emerged as a regional stabilizer.”
He said that Pakistan wanted peaceful resolution of US-Iran conflict, and that Pakistan’s mediation efforts had been appreciated internationally and had helped to save the region from a larger and more destructive conflict.
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