Pakistan Declares May 10 as 'Marka-e-Haq Day' to Commemorate Conflict with India

Pakistan's New Commemoration Day

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan has officially designated May 10 as 'Marka-e-Haq Day'. This announcement comes in remembrance of the four-day conflict with India that occurred last year, which Islamabad has termed 'Marka-e-Haq'. A ceremony was held on Sunday to mark the first anniversary of this event.

During the event, Shahbaz asserted that the Pakistani armed forces delivered a 'historic and appropriate response' to their adversaries. Following the tragic killing of 26 individuals, including many tourists, in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India initiated 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7 of the previous year, targeting nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir with airstrikes.

These strikes reportedly resulted in the elimination of at least 100 terrorists. In retaliation, Pakistan launched counterattacks, most of which were thwarted by the Indian military. A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10 of last year after discussions between military officials from both sides.

In his address, Prime Minister Shahbaz praised the role of former U.S. President Donald Trump in facilitating the cessation of hostilities. He also expressed gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their diplomatic and political support during the conflict.

India maintains that the agreement to halt military actions was reached directly between the two nations. President Asif Ali Zardari remarked during the event that this conflict demonstrated the capabilities of the Pakistani armed forces when the entire nation stands united behind them. The ceremony began with a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives during the conflict.