In a televised message marking Marka-i-Haq, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday warned that Pakistan’s reaction to any miscalculation in the future would be “more intense and decisive”.

Last year’s military conflict with India, starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Pakistan’s Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, with a ceasefire ending a military escalation between the two countries on May 10, has been called “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth) by the state.

In his message, Asif said Marka-i-Haq was not just a “memorable episode for Pakistan, but a line that we have drawn forever”.

Anyone on the other side of this line should understand that Pakistan exercised tolerance and restraint during the 2025 episode, he said, warning that in case of an “incorrect assessment or miscalculation” in the future, the response would be “more intense and decisive”.

He added that Pakistan did not want any fighting in 2025, and it desired the same today. “But there should not be any doubt; Pakistan does not only respond, but it also determines the correct course of consequences. Any adventurism against us will not remain limited [to the other side’s action]; we will decide its course, its beginning and its end,” he said.

He said Marka-i-Haq had “forever buried the impression” that Pakistan could be pressurised or isolated.

“Today, our ability to respond in the air, land and water is effective and fast beyond anyone’s imagination,” the defence minister said.

He further stressed that India must realise that there was no space for “dramatics, false flag operations and miscalculations”. The defence minister warned that repeating “cliched actions” would entail paying a price much higher than before. “It will be equivalent to committing suicide,” he added.

Asif said that Pakistan’s “everlasting national unity” had provided it strength. “Pakistan’s nation, armed forces and the state are moving in a unified direction, and this strength of ours has tipped the balance [in our favour],” he said.

He added that Pakistan’s armed forces met the demands of modern times and were fully prepared to effectively deal with any possible conflict in the future. “Whatever you may plan or whatever your designs may be, we are far ahead of what you think. The entire nation is standing with us like bunyanum marsoos (solid fortified wall),” the defence minister said, seemingly addressing India.

Asif said Pakistan always wanted peace, but “we don’t want peace devoid of dignity, security and respect for sovereignty. That’s not peace but surrender, and it is completely unacceptable to us”.

He added that the confidence and determination he saw in the country’s youth during Marka-i-Haq inspired him. “The young generation in Pakistan has an understanding of what happened during Marka-i-Haq … Today’s generation is different, it is aware and united and has an emotional connection with Pakistan. And it is this sentiment that is the biggest strength for Pakistan’s bright future.”

Asif concluded his message, again seemingly addressing India, saying: “We know who we are, what we can do and where do we stand today. If someone is living in the past, relying on old assumptions, my sincere advice is to align your thinking with modern demands.

“The message is clear: don’t let your internal politics and hatred come out. And if this happens, be ready for the response, which will not be in your control and will not remain limited.”