President Asif Ali Zardari praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for their courage and professionalism during recent conflict with India, stating that the sons of the soil, fortified by the nation's spirit, stood firm against unprovoked Indian aggression. He also paid tribute to the martyrs, calling their sacrifice a sacred trust and a source of national pride.
During his visit to Gujranwala Cantonment on Saturday, President Zardari lauded the exemplary conduct and professional excellence of the Pakistan Armed Forces in the successful execution of Marka-e-Haq. He also acknowledged the Armed Forces' resolute determination and unshakable courage in the face of unprovoked aggression, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
President paid solemn tribute to the military and civilian martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland, affirming that their sacrifice remains a sacred trust and a source of enduring national pride.
He further remarked that history would bear witness to how, within a matter of hours, the Pakistan Armed Forces repelled aggression with unmatched precision and resolve, sending an unequivocal message of Pakistan’s strength, resilience, and national unity.
According to ISPR, during his interaction with officers and troops, the President commended their exemplary morale, combat readiness, and devotion to duty. He extended heartfelt congratulations on the successful culmination of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, and expressed profound pride in the defenders of the nation.
He affirmed that the people of Pakistan hold their brave soldiers in the highest esteem as the true custodians of national honour and sovereignty.
Upon arrival at Gujranwala Cantonment, President Zardari was received by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. He was accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while commanders of Mangla and Gujranwala Corps were also present at the occasion.
The recent visits by the Prime Minister and President to military cantonments and the Pakistan Air Force base come in the wake of Pakistan Armed Forces decisively repelled Indian aggression following the Pahalgam attack.
Earlier in the week, President Asif Ali Zardari visited soldiers and civilians injured during the recent confrontation with India at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi to inquire about their health.
Also earlier in the week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Pasrur Cantonment and the Pakistan Air Force’s operational base in Kamra, where he met with troops, praised their “combat excellence,” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty against any aggression.
Pakistan-India Ceasefire
The latest escalation between Pakistan and India began on April 22, when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame.
Read More: Pakistan never requested ceasefire: DG ISPR
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies.
Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, when missile strikes hit six cities 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 official confirms downing of Rafale by Pakistan
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 May 10, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets.
By Saturday evening, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.
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