Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, moved a resolution in the Sindh Assembly here on Monday to mark the first anniversary of Operation of “Marka-e-Haq,” paying tribute to the martyrs, armed forces, political leadership, media, youth and people of Pakistan for their role in safeguarding national unity and sovereignty.
The Sindh Assembly unanimously lauded the sacrifices and professional capabilities of the Pakistan Armed Forces and paid tribute to Field Marshal, Asim Munir, and the services chiefs for their leadership during the conflict. The House also appreciated the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The resolution further acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and paid homage to the national services of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The role of the people of Pakistan, media, civil society and youth in demonstrating unity and resilience during the crisis was also appreciated.
Speaking on the floor of the Assembly after presenting the resolution, Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, described the day as “historic,” noting that one year earlier, the people of Pakistan, the armed forces, political leadership and media had stood united against external aggression.
He said India had maintained hostile intentions toward Pakistan since 1947 and referred to several past conflicts, including those of 1965 and 1971. He stated that after the separation of East Pakistan, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto initiated Pakistan’s nuclear programme by convening leading scientists in Multan and making the country’s defence capability a national priority.
The Chief Minister noted that India carried out nuclear tests in 1974 and again in 1998, after which Pakistan responded by becoming the first nuclear power in the Muslim world. He added that successive governments continued the programme initiated by Shaheed Bhutto.
Referring to last year’s tensions, Murad Ali Shah alleged that India staged a “false flag operation” in Pahalgam on April 22 and immediately blamed Pakistan without evidence. He said Pakistan had offered cooperation and demanded an impartial investigation.
He said India attempted an attack on April 29, which was thwarted by Pakistan’s armed forces, followed by missile strikes on May 7 targeting civilians. According to the Chief Minister, the Pakistan Air Force responded decisively between the night of May 7 and 8, bringing down eight Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, within 25 minutes.
“Pakistan’s falcons shattered India’s arrogance,” he said, adding that although 47 Indian aircraft were in the air, Pakistan targeted only those involved in the attacks.
Shah claimed that more than 77 Indian drones were also shot down by Pakistani forces and citizens, while Indian media spread propaganda regarding alleged attacks on Karachi Port and other cities. He said Pakistani authorities remained fully prepared and coordinated throughout the situation.
The Chief Minister said that after further attacks on the night of May 9, Pakistan launched Operation “Bunyan-un-Marsoos” in response to India’s “Operation Sindoor.” He stated that Pakistan targeted 26 Indian military installations including Surathgarh, Sirsa, Naliya, Bhatinda, Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Udhampur, Adampur, Ambala and Pathankot while deliberately avoiding civilian targets.
He praised the performance of the Pakistan Air Force and said the JF-17 fighter aircraft played an important role in defending the country. He also highlighted the contributions of the Pakistan Peoples Party leadership toward strengthening Pakistan’s defence capabilities, including the development of missile technology and the acquisition of modern aircraft and submarines.
Murad Ali Shah said Pakistan demonstrated restraint despite having the capability to inflict greater damage, adding that the country accepted a ceasefire because it desired peace and stability in the region.
He said the entire nation including youth, media and civil society had shown unity during the conflict and conveyed a strong message to the world that Pakistan was a resilient and united nation.
By calling for continued national unity, the Chief Minister said no power in the world could harm Pakistan if the nation remained united and committed to the principles of father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Sindh Chief Minister reaffirmed that the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Sindh government would always remain at the forefront in defending the country and supporting national sovereignty, unity and security. Earlier, the session started with recitation from Holy Quran and Naat Sharif with Speaker Awais Qadir Shah in the chair.