Bilawal Bhutto Says Pakistan “Endured and Prevailed” at Marka-e-Haq Ceremony in Karachi

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said Pakistan has “endured and prevailed” through challenges and continues to stand firm on its sovereignty, as he addressed a Marka-e-Haq anniversary ceremony in Karachi.

Speaking at the event, Bilawal said Pakistan had faced a period of uncertainty but emerged stronger due to national unity and resilience.

“About a year ago, Pakistan was on the brink of uncertainty,” he said, adding that rising tensions along the borders had raised fears of conflict. “Despite difficult circumstances, Pakistan stood its ground,” he said, crediting national unity for overcoming the crisis.

The PPP chairman said Pakistan’s history is rooted in struggle and sacrifice since its creation in 1947. “This victory was not just of weapons, but of determination and courage,” he said.

He added that national unity was visible “from the mountains of the north to the Arabian Sea, from Punjab to Sindh and Balochistan,” crediting the armed forces for defending the country with “courage, discipline and dignity.” He also praised diplomats for effectively presenting Pakistan’s position internationally.

Bilawal said Pakistan would never compromise on sovereignty. “We will never lay down our arms,” he said, adding that the country has always preferred peace over conflict. He also accused external elements of attempting to distort historical narratives.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, also speaking at the ceremony marking the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, said Pakistan responded strongly to Indian actions during last year’s escalation.

He claimed Pakistani forces downed Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, and said the Pakistan Navy remained fully alert during the tensions. He also rejected Indian media claims of attacks on Karachi Port as propaganda.

Highlighting Pakistan’s defence history, Shah said the country’s nuclear programme was initiated under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1972 and later advanced during Benazir Bhutto’s tenure.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon described the day as one of national pride, claiming Pakistan’s armed forces gave a strong response to the adversary. He credited PPP leadership for strengthening Pakistan’s nuclear capability and said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had effectively raised the Kashmir issue on international platforms.

The leaders referred to the April–May 2025 escalation between Pakistan and India, which followed the Pahalgam attack. The tensions led to diplomatic breakdown, cross-border strikes, and military confrontation before a ceasefire was announced on May 10, 2025 following international mediation.

Officials reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to peace but will defend its sovereignty under all circumstances.