ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a compensation package for civilians and military personnel affected by recent conflict with India, while also declaring May 10 as an annual national observance of Youm-i-Marka-i-Haq (Battle of Truth Day), commemorating a military victory.

PM Shehbaz said this year, May 16 will be observed as a day to pay tribute to the armed forces for the success of military operation Bunyanum Marsoos, with special prayers to be offered nationwide.

“The professional capabilities of our brave forces kept our head high with pride,” he said, while announcing a “Shuhada Package” to provide financial assistance to victims of Indian attacks on May 6 and 7.

According to the package, heirs of martyred civilians will receive Rs10 million, while the injured will get Rs1m to Rs2m.

FM Dar engages counterparts on regional stability

Heirs of martyred armed forces members will receive Rs10m to Rs18m based on rank, plus Rs19m to Rs42m for housing. Martyrs’ families will receive full salary until the soldier’s retirement date, free education for children through graduation, and a Rs1m marriage grant for one daughter. Each injured personnel would receive between Rs2m and Rs5m.

The federal government will reconstruct homes and mosques affected by attacks and cover all medical expenses for the injured. “It is responsibility of the government to take care of the children of martyrs and we will fulfil this obligation,” PM Shehbaz said.

Gratitude to Turkiye

Earlier, PM Shehbaz gratitude to Türkiye for its support during recent regional tensions in a meeting with Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu.

The prime minister thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying his “steadfast support… demonstrated, once again, his love and affection for the people of Pakistan.” Mr Neziroglu congratulated Pakistan on its “military and diplomatic success” and conveyed Erdogan’s commitment to strengthening ties.

Separately, on social media platform, X, PM Shehbaz welcomed the announced dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, calling it a “significant step toward lasting peace and a terror-free Turkiye.”

Talks with foreign ministers

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar engaged in a series of diplomatic discussions on Monday concerning the recent crisis and regional developments, according to Foreign Office statements.

In separate phone calls, Mr Dar assured Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Nol Barrot that Pakistan had acted with restraint.

Mr Dar said, “Pakistan had shown restraint throughout the recent crisis and only exercised its right to self-defence in line with the UN Charter and international law.”

Both Mr Wong and Mr Barrot expressed condolences over the loss of lives, including those in the Jaffar Express attack mentioned by Wong. They welcomed a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, with Wong expressing hope for lasting peace and Barrot emphasising the need for restraint.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in a call with Mr Dar, discussed regional developments and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts towards maintaining regional peace, the Foreign Office said. Mr Dar and his UK and French counterparts agreed to maintain close coordination.

Also, Mr Dar met with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malkiy in Islamabad. They discussed bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations across all sectors.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2025