LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared on Sunday that Pakistan crushed the arrogance of those attempting to cross its red line, saying the country’s unity during Bunyan-al-Marsoos had demonstrated that the nation stood like a “wall of molten lead” alongside its armed forces.

Addressing the solidarity ceremony at the Wagah Border on completion of one year of Marka-i-Haq, she said Pakistan’s borders were not limited to geographical lines but were embedded in the hearts of its people.

“Whoever dreamt of crossing this red line saw their arrogance reduced to dust by Pakistan,” she said, adding that when the enemy attacked, the nation proved it was united.

Ms Sharif paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, saying they sacrificed their lives for the protection of the country, soil and its citizens. She especially honoured the mothers, wives and children of martyrs for their sacrifices and courage.

“I salute the mothers who buttoned up their sons’ uniforms and told them not to hesitate in sacrificing their lives for the homeland.”Paying tribute to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam said he resisted the international pressure and made Pakistan a nuclear power while the development of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft also took place during his tenure.

She also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for stabilising the economy and enhancing Pakistan’s standing internationally, while praising Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for safeguarding the trust of 250 million Pakistanis and giving a decisive response to the enemy.

The chief minister said Pakistan had also achieved a diplomatic victory on the global stage under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir “without firing a bullet or raising a sword”.Earlier, the chief minister visited the Martyrs’ Memorial at Wagah Border where she laid a floral wreath and offered prayers for the martyrs. She also attended the flag-lowering ceremony and the Marka-i-Haq solidarity parade.

The event was attended by provincial ministers, officials, Rangers personnel and a large number of citizens.

PA SPEAKER: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan says the world has now recognised Pakistan’s military strength after Marka-i-Haq, adding that every Pakistani can proudly hold their head high on the global stage following the country’s historic victory.

Addressing a seminar titled ‘The Role of a Field Marshal in Global Peace’ on Sunday, the speaker congratulated the nation on the victory, saying the day marked the protection of the country’s independence, national honour and dignity. He maintained that Pakistan had demonstrated restraint after the Pahalgam incident, but later delivered a historic response to the enemy.

Mr Khan said India resorted to false flag operations whenever elections approached, alleging that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used incidents like Pahalgam as a pretext for aggression. He termed Field Marshal Asim Munir’s decision regarding war with India correct, while praising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his diplomacy.

The speaker also stressed the importance of youth ambition, saying no nation could progress without dreams as such aspirations motivated young people towards national development and reconstruction.

The seminar was attended by retired military officials and public figures, including Abdul Qayyum Malik, Asim Suleiman, Naveed Ahmed Rizvi, Tauqeer Nasir, Sheikhupura RPO Athar Ismail and Punjab lawmaker Hina Parvez Butt.

PAKISTAN RAILWAYS: Various departments, including Pakistan Railways organized rallies and ceremonies to mark the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq/Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos with enthusiasm in Lahore. The rallies paid tributes to the armed forces for giving a befitting response to India and paid homage to the martyrs.

A rally led by Muhammad Hafeezullah, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Pakistan Railways at the Lahore Railway Station, witnessed the participation of a large number of railway employees as tributes were paid to the armed forces.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hafeezullah said the day was a moment of pride and success for the entire nation and added that the nation was commemorating the occasion with enthusiasm and renewed resolve. He said that a year ago, the enemy had attempted to target the country’s soil but the Pakistan Armed Forces responded effectively.

The ceremony was also attended by the AGM Traffic, divisional superintendent railway and other officials. It may be recalled that the PR, last year, had put its train operations on high alert across the country, sparing purpose-built rolling stock for the mobility of armed forces in the war situation.

HOUSING MINISTER: Punjab Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin, senior officers and the people at large cut the cake in connection with marking the Marka-i-Haq, congratulating the nation on the completion of one year of the event.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the enemy saw its Rafale fighter jets destroyed by Pakistan’s falcons.

He added that after the success of Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos, Pakistan continued to achieve victories on various fronts every day. According to him, the stature Pakistan enjoyed in the world today was unparalleled. He said the enemy feared Pakistan’s progress but the nation would remain united to foil every conspiracy.

The minister further stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir represented the sentiments of the nation while fighting the Marka-i-Haq. He praised the personnel of the Pakistan Air Force for displaying exceptional bravery and shooting down enemy Rafale jets.

Later, the minister cut a cake with party workers in his constituency.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2026