Sindh CM says Pakistan ‘does not want war’ but would never compromise on its defence
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari speaking at a ceremony marking the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq in Karachi. SCREENGRAB
KARACHI:
Pakistan has “endured and prevailed”, and remains a nation that does not compromise on 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 emerged stronger through national unity and resilience.
“About a year ago, Pakistan was on the brink of uncertainty,” 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 sacrifice,” he said. “This victory was not just of weapons, but of determination and courage,” he added.
Bilawal said that from the mountains in 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 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 elements outside the borders are trying to distort history,” he said.
Bilawal added that Pakistan had always preferred peace. “We have never desired war; we have always preferred peace,” he said.
He concluded that the moment required responsibility and reflection. “This is a time for reflection, not arrogance,” he said.
Addressing a ceremony celebrating the first 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 Pakistani forces had downed Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, adding, “Jets can be good, but it depends on those flying them”.
Shah said India had engaged in propaganda claiming attacks on Karachi Port, which he dismissed as false, adding that Pakistan’s Navy remained fully alert during the situation. He said Pakistan’s nuclear programme 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: PM declares ‘Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq’ on May 10 to mark operation victory
Addressing the same ceremony, Sharjeel Inam Memon said the day marked national pride and unity. “Today is an important and joyful 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 response to the enemy and inflicted a humiliating defeat on India,” he said.
He added that the occasion was “no less than a festival” and credited former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for laying the foundations of Pakistan’s nuclear capability. “The Quaid-e-Awam had said we will eat grass, but we will make Pakistan a nuclear power,” he said.
Memon also highlighted the role of the Pakistan People’s Party Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in raising the Kashmir issue internationally. “Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said 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.
He criticised Indian media coverage of the situation, saying, “India’s television channels were claiming that Lahore and Karachi had been destroyed, whereas in reality Pakistani Shaheens had defeated India.”
Pahalgam attack
On April 22, 2025, escalation between Pakistan and India began when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day, on April 23, 2025, 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, 2025, 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, 2025, 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.
On May 10, 2025, 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.
