ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday marked the first anniversary of last year’s military conflict with India, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowing to continue the country’s fight against militancy and respond forcefully to any future aggression.
Pakistan officially commemorated the conflict as “Marka-e-Haq,” or the “Battle of Truth,” referring to the confrontation that erupted in May 2025 after India blamed Pakistan for a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, an accusation Islamabad denied.
The crisis led to days of missile, drone and cross-border strikes between the nuclear-armed neighbors before a ceasefire was reached later that month.
“We ... remain steadfast in our efforts to root out ‘Fitna Al-Khawarij’ and ‘Fitna Al-Hindustan’ and take the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion,” Sharif said in a message issued by his office.
Pakistan uses the term “Fitna Al-Khawarij” for the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while “Fitna Al-Hindustan” refers to Baloch separatist militant groups that Islamabad alleges are backed by India, a charge New Delhi denies.
“Let there be no doubt that any aggression to undermine Pakistan will be met with an immediate, befitting and full-spectrum response,” the prime minister said.
Sharif described the brief but intense military standoff with India as a demonstration of Pakistan’s military resolve and paid tribute to members of the armed forces killed during the cross-border exchanges.
In a separate statement, Pakistan’s top military commanders said ceremonies were being held across the country to honor fallen soldiers and veterans, with floral wreaths laid at martyrs’ memorials and prayers offered for those killed during the conflict.
The military described the confrontation as “a defining landmark in the nation’s journey,” saying it had strengthened public confidence in the armed forces and reinforced Pakistan’s deterrence capabilities despite “conventional and hybrid challenges, including proxy terrorism.”
“Pakistan believes that sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law and principles of justice,” the military said.
