• Pay tribute to armed forces and national leadership
• CM describes Marka-i-Haq as historic day of triumph

QUETTA: The first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq was celebrated across Balochistan on Saturday, including in the provincial capital, Quetta, with enthusiasm and renewed support for the armed forces and the country’s leadership.

Several ceremonies were held in Quetta and other towns and cities of the province, where participants paid tribute to the armed forces, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir for defending the country against Indian aggression.

In a message issued on the occasion, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti described Marka-i-Haq as a historic day when Pakistan demonstrated its strength, dignity, and unwavering resolve to the world.

CM Bugti paid tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan, the country’s political leadership, and especially Field Marshal Munir, whose leadership, he said, foiled the malicious designs of the enemy.

“Under the fearless leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, our forces defeated the enemy’s plans and demonstrated Pakistan’s resilience,” he said.

The chief minister added that the people of Balochistan celebrate the day as a symbol of pride and reaffirm their commitment to the country’s security, stability, and sovereignty.

Senior ministers of Balochistan also hailed Marka-i-Haq as a historic day of triumph and a symbol of Pakistan’s strength, unity, and strong defence.

Provincial Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said the day was being celebrated across the province as a festival of pride, highlighting Pakistan’s resilience in the face of aggression.

He stated that Pakistan’s existence represented peace in the region and praised the armed forces for their swift and decisive response to hostilities.

“The developments linked to Marka-i-Haq are not merely symbolic victories but a historic turning point,” Mr Langove said, while praising the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their timely decisions.

Provincial minister Mir Ali Madad Jattak echoed similar sentiments, saying that Paki­stan’s security, sovereignty, and defence remained the foremost priority of every citizen.

He said the armed forces’ effective response proved that Pakistan’s defence was “invincible” and added that the people of Balochistan stood shoulder to shoulder with the military in safeguarding the nation.

Senior provincial minister and Irrigation Minister Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani described Marka-i-Haq as a day reflecting Pakistan’s honour, strength, and dignity.

He highlighted the role of the Pakistan Air Force in responding to Indian aggression under the command of Field Marshal Asim Munir and said it showcased professional excellence to the world.

Celebrations were also held in Gwadar, Nasirabad, Noshki, Khuzdar, Chaman, Qila Saifullah, Pishin, and several other towns and cities.

Speakers at the events reiterated that Pakistan is a peace-loving country but would never compromise on its defence. They praised the sacrifices of the armed forces and reaffirmed national unity in protecting the country’s sovereignty.

Ali Jan Mangi in Nasirabad, Abdul Wahid Shahwani in Khuzdar and Behram Baloch in Gwadar also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026