Sindh CM says Pakistan “does not want war” but will never compromise on its defence
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari speaks at a ceremony marking the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq in Karachi. SCREEN GRAB
KARACHI:
Pakistan has “endured and prevailed” and remains a nation that does not compromise its sovereignty, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Monday, adding that Pakistan continues to rise “again and again” in the spirit of those who came before it.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, speaking at a “Marka-e-Haq” ceremony in Karachi, said Pakistan had gone through a period of uncertainty but has emerged stronger through national unity and resilience.
“About a year ago, Pakistan was on the brink of insecurity,” he said, adding that border tensions had raised fears of conflict.
He said the country faced serious challenges but remained firmly united. “Despite difficult circumstances, Pakistan stood its ground,” he said, crediting national unity for overcoming the crisis.
Bilawal said Pakistan’s history was shaped by struggle and sacrifice. “Since its creation in 1947, Pakistan has been refined through trials and strengthened through sacrifices,” he said. “This victory was not only of arms, but of determination and courage,” he added.
Bilawal said that from the mountains of the north to the shores of the Arabian Sea, the nation stood in one line, adding that this unity was also seen “from the fields of Punjab to the deserts of Sindh and Balochistan”.
“The armed forces defended the country with courage, discipline and dignity,” he said, adding that diplomats effectively presented Pakistan’s position internationally.
He said that Pakistan would not surrender under pressure. “We will never lay down our arms,” he said.
He accused certain elements abroad of trying to distort history. “Some out-of-bounds elements are trying to distort history,” he said.
Bilawal added that Pakistan had always preferred peace. “We have never wanted war; we have always preferred peace,” he said.
He concluded that the moment called for responsibility and reflection. “This is a time for reflection, not arrogance,” he said.
Speaking at a ceremony celebrating the one year anniversary of Marka-e-Haq in Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said Pakistan had responded within hours to Indian actions. “Just a few hours later, India was unable to compete,” he said.
He claimed that Pakistani forces had shot down Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, adding: “Jets can be good, but it depends on those who fly them”.
Shah said India had engaged in propaganda claiming attack on Karachi Port, which he dismissed as fake, adding that Pakistan’s navy remained on full alert during the situation. He said Pakistan’s nuclear program was initiated under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1972 and later advanced under Benazir Bhutto through the missile programme.
“We are a peaceful country; we said we do not want war,” he said, adding that Pakistan would never compromise on its defence.
Read: Prime Minister declares ‘Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq’ on May 10 to mark the victory of the operation
Addressing the same ceremony, Sharjeel Inam Memon said the day marked national pride and unity. “Today is an important and joyous day for Pakistan,” he said, adding that the armed forces had delivered a strong response to the enemy. “On the day of ‘Marka-e-Haq‘, the Pakistan Army gave a strong reply to the enemy and inflicted a humiliating defeat on India,” he said.
He added that the occasion was “nothing less than a festival” and credited former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with laying the foundation for Pakistan’s nuclear capability. “Quaid-e-Awam had said that we will eat grass but we will make Pakistan a nuclear power,” he said.
Memon also highlighted the role of Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in raising the Kashmir issue internationally. “Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the butcher of Gujarat is the butcher of Kashmir,” he said, adding that Bilawal raised the Kashmir issue during his visit to India and faced political threats from the Indian ruling party.
Criticizing Indian media’s coverage of the situation, he said: “India’s television channels claimed that Lahore and Karachi had been destroyed, when in reality Pakistani Shaheens had defeated India.”
Pahalgam attack
On 22 April 2025, the escalation between Pakistan and India began when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically denied the Indian blame.
In response, India took a series of hostile actions the next day, on 23 April 2025, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), canceling visas for Pakistani nationals, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the closure of the Pakistan High Commission’s diplomatic staff in New Delhi, as well as other diplomatic embassies in Pakistan.
Tensions escalated further in the early hours of 7 May 2025 when missile attacks hit six towns in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children and the elderly.
Read more: French intelligence confirms Pakistan downed Rafale
In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of 10 May 2025 when India targeted several Pakistani air bases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile sites, air bases and other strategic targets.
On 10 May 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached after intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign minister.
