Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Sheikh highlighted the significance of Marka-e-Haq (the Battle of Truth), a testament of historical significance to Pakistan’s unity, resilience, and unwavering national resolve following the Indian attacks on Pakistan one year ago
Pakistan Embassy Honors National Resilience and Unity on First Anniversary of Marka-e-Haq
By Elaine Pasquini
Washington, DC: Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, along with other officials at the Embassy of Pakistan hosted a ceremony on May 8, 2026, to commemorate the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, a landmark day when the Pakistani military was victorious against India’s unprovoked attacks on the country beginning May 7, 2025.
Members of the Pakistani-American community participated enthusiastically in the program, reaffirming their deep love for and commitment to the homeland as well as solidarity with the nation. Patriotic songs and spirited chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” filled the atmosphere, reflecting renewed national pride, unity and collective resolve.
Members of the community, scholars, students, business leaders and media representatives were also in attendance at the festive event.
The ceremony paid rich tribute to the brave men and women of Pakistan’s Armed Forces for safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity with exemplary professionalism and courage. The civil and military leadership was also commended for its decisive stewardship during a critical period for the nation.
Messages from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were read along with video messages from the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, rei terating Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to defending the homeland at all costs. Defense Attaché Brigadier Irfan Ali read the message from Chief of Defense Forces/Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Sheikh highlighted the significance of Marka-e-Haq (the Battle of Truth), a testament of historical significance to Pakistan’s unity, resilience, and unwavering national resolve following the Indian attacks on Pakistan one year ago.
Pointing out the collective resolve demonstrated by the Pakistani nation, the ambassador emphasized Pakistan’s strategic importance, resilience, and role in promoting regional and global peace which continues to gain strength.
“Our unity is our strength, and it was displayed during the conflict in May 2025,” Ambassador Sheikh said. “The nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its leadership and the valiant armed forces in defeating the sinister designs of the enemy.”
He also noted that the victory against provocation was a collective triumph led by the country’s civil-military and diplomatic leadership. He underscored that while Pakistan remained committed to regional and global peace, the desire should never be mistaken for weakness.
The ambassador acknowledged the positive role played by US President Donald J Trump in supporting ceasefire efforts between the two nuclear powers.
Looking toward the future, Ambassador Sheikh linked national defense with economic sovereignty, stating that the concept of Bunyan ul Marsoos, an Arabic phrase referring to a “structure made of lead,” would be fully realized in the non-kinetic domain once Pakistan achieved economic stability and prosperity. He urged the Pakistani-American diaspora to step in and step up their vital role geared to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United States.
The evening also featured the screening of a documentary chronicling the nation's defense efforts. Live performances of national songs added further spirit to the evening, with the audience passionately chanting slogans of “Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad.”
The ceremony concluded with a renewed national pledge for unity, progress and collective responsibility toward building a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
