A study of Pakistan’s history reveals that under the inspiring leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, our forefathers made immense sacrifices and carried out an untiring struggle to make the creation of Pakistan possible. Although British India was ultimately divided into two states, India never wholeheartedly accepted the existence of Pakistan. Since the very beginning, it has remained engaged in various activities against Pakistan. The tragedy of the Fall of Dhaka stands as one of the most unfortunate examples of India’s hostile role. Even after several decades, this mindset and approach have persisted. India continues to seek opportunities to harm Pakistan whenever possible. In this context, Pakistanis also view India as an eternal adversary, a perception shaped largely by India’s hostile conduct. At times openly and at times covertly, it has attempted to undermine Pakistan, sometimes using Afghanistan as a proxy and at other times supporting dissident Baloch elements.
Despite all this, Pakistan’s diplomatic policy in the past remained focused on maintaining cordial relations with neighbouring countries, including India. Some previous Pakistani governments even took generous initiatives to improve trade and diplomatic ties with India. However, due to the atrocities committed by Indian forces in Indian-occupied Kashmir and India’s diplomatic posture, relations could not move in a positive direction. It is by the grace of Allah that, despite all conspiracies and hostile manoeuvres, Pakistan has remained strong and intact. Allah blessed Pakistan with nuclear capability and honour among the nations of the world.
The 10th of May reminds us that on this day, Pakistan humbled an enemy many times larger and militarily stronger.
Marka-e-Haq represents an important chapter in this national honour and success. One year has now passed since this battle, and on May 10, the nation commemorated the occasion at the national level. This day reminds us how our armed forces shattered the arrogance of India and its military.
The facts are that on April 22, 2025, twenty-six people were killed in an attack by unidentified militants in Pahalgam, located in Indian-occupied Kashmir. The Indian government, without presenting conclusive evidence or conducting a transparent investigation, blamed Pakistan for the incident and claimed that Pakistan was behind the attack. Using this incident as justification, India launched a military campaign under the name “Operation Sindoor.”
On May 7, 2025, India carried out strikes inside Pakistani territory using more than seventy aircraft and missiles, targeting multiple locations. Attacks on mosques and religious seminaries resulted in the martyrdom of around three dozen innocent civilians. In response, Pakistan shot down five Indian aircraft, including Rafale fighter jets and one drone. It was described as the first occasion in warfare where French-made Rafale aircraft had been destroyed in combat.
Subsequently, India allegedly deployed Israeli-made drones at various locations inside Pakistan, many of which were intercepted and destroyed mid-air. On Friday, May 9, 2025, India escalated the situation further by launching missile strikes on three Pakistani air force bases, while intense shelling continued along the Line of Control. Throughout this conflict, the Indian media conveyed to its public that Pakistan had been subdued. Propaganda narratives suggested that Indian forces had entered Pakistani territory, destroyed Karachi Port, neutralised Pakistan’s air bases and defence system, and even destabilised the Pakistani government.
In response to these developments, the Pakistan Army launched “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos” after Fajr prayers on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The phrase Bunyan-un-Marsoos is derived from a verse of the Holy Qur’an and means “a wall strengthened with molten lead.” In Surah As-Saff, verse 4, Allah says: “Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in rows as though they are a wall strengthened with molten lead.”
Later, the Director General of ISPR, Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated that the operation began with the launch of the “Fatah-1” missile. He explained that the missile possessed a strike range of up to 400 kilometres and had the capability to accurately hit its targets. According to the consequences, the missile successfully struck Indian military objectives and contributed to Pakistan’s victory. During the operation, various Indian military installations, airfields, and defence systems were targeted. India acknowledged that attacks had occurred at 26 locations, although it denied extensive losses at several sites to avoid embarrassment. Later, a ceasefire was eventually achieved after intervention by then U.S. President Donald Trump at India’s request.
The 10th of May reminds us that on this day, Pakistan humbled an enemy many times larger and militarily stronger. Pakistan’s armed forces, despite operating with comparatively limited resources and budget, forced a far superior military power into retreat within only a few hours. This short-lived conflict delivered a humiliating defeat to India and conveyed to the world that wars are not won merely through numerical superiority in weapons. Victory also requires faith, determination, and divine support.
During this tense military confrontation, the attention of the international community and global media remained focused on South Asia. Much discussion centred around the military capabilities of Pakistan and India. According to the 2025 statistics issued by Global Firepower?, India ranks among the world’s major military powers after the United States, Russia, and China. India reportedly possesses around 2.2 million ground force personnel, approximately 310,000 air force personnel, and 142,000 naval personnel. In comparison, Pakistan’s armed forces consist of approximately 1.31 million army personnel, 78,000 air force personnel, and 125,000 naval personnel. Despite these disparities in resources, Pakistan’s armed forces, under the leadership of Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, inflicted a decisive defeat upon a far stronger adversary.
Congratulations to the entire nation on the completion of one year of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. May Allah grant Pakistan success, honour, and dignity at every stage, in every field, and on every occasion. May Pakistan always overcome its enemies and continue to achieve respect among the nations of the world. Ameen.
The writer is a Professor of Media and Communication Studies and a broadcast media expert. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Department of Film and Broadcasting at Punjab University.