Military’s professionalism during Marka-e-Haq enhanced Pakistan’s global stature: COAS
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday praised the professionalism, resolve and commitment displayed by the armed forces during Marka-e-Haq, saying that it enhanced Pakistan’s global stature, the military’s media wing said.
The Pakistan Army designated the period from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the May 10 end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos as Marka-e-Haq.
Pakistan and India engaged in a military showdown this year in May, the worst between the old foes in decades, which was sparked by a terrorist attack on tourists in IIOJK’s Pahalgam area, which New Delhi alleged was backed by Pakistan.
Islamabad denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 men and offered to participate in a neutral probe into the deadly incident.
During the clashes, Pakistan downed seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US.
The army chief’s statement came as participants of the National Security Workshop-27 (NSW-27) visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where they were given detailed briefings on Pakistan’s regional and internal security situation and the broader national security environment, the military’s media wing said.
During an interactive session with the delegation, the COAS outlined the fluid regional environment shaped by increasing geopolitical competition, cross-border terrorism and hybrid threats.
He stressed that despite complex challenges, including externally backed militancy and information-centric warfare, Pakistan’s Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and law-enforcement institutions continue to show unwavering professionalism and resolve in safeguarding national security.
“Pakistan is a country of consequence and is destined to take its rightful place among nations,” ISPR quoted the COAS as saying during his interaction with participants.
He added that the country’s greatest strength lies in national unity, stressing that through collective resolve, Pakistan would defeat the designs of its adversaries, the ISPR statement read.
The ISPR said that participants were also briefed on national efforts to curb illegal activities, including smuggling, narcotics trafficking and organised crime.
Updates were shared on strengthened border controls and the repatriation of illegal foreigners, which authorities say are aimed at maintaining internal order and protecting national interests, the statement added.
Reiterating the army’s priorities, the COAS said that the territorial integrity, security and protection of every Pakistani citizen will not be compromised under any circumstances.
The army chief reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s commitment to supporting the federal and provincial governments, emphasising that coordinated national efforts and institutional synergy are essential for lasting peace, stability and prosperity.
NSW–27, a flagship programme of the National Defence University (NDU), brings together parliamentarians, senior civil and military officials, academics and civil society representatives for high-level security briefings and discussions.
Iran’s security chief meets COAS
Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Dr Ali Larijani, who is visiting Pakistan on an official visit, called on Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, the military’s media wing said.
The meeting focused on bilateral cooperation, regional security issues, and the importance of strengthening ties between Pakistan and Iran.
During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed the prevailing security dynamics in the region, it added.
Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, emphasising the need for closer collaboration with Iran to combat terrorism.
He also highlighted the growing importance of strategic cooperation in light of the evolving geopolitical situation, the ISPR statement read.
Ali Larijani acknowledged Pakistan’s vital role in ensuring peace and security in the region and expressed his commitment to furthering Iran-Pakistan ties, it added.
