PESHAWAR: Rallies were held across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday to mark the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq (the battle of truth) and pay tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan for their victory against India during the May 2025 conflict.

In Charsadda, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the district administration organised separate rallies and ceremonies, where speakers paid tribute to the armed forces and reiterated their support for national unity and security.

A rally led by PML-N Charsadda district president Mian Humayun Shah Kakakhel was taken out in the city, attended by party office-bearers and workers from all three tehsils of the district.

The rally passed through various roads before reaching Farooq-i-Azam Chowk, where participants raised slogans of Pakistan Zindabad (long live Pakistan).

Speakers pay tribute to armed forces for their victory against India

The participants carrying national flags expressed solidarity with the armed forces.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Kakakhel and other speakers said the armed forces had foiled the enemy’s nefarious designs during Marka-i-Haq and made the nation proud.

They said the people of Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with the military for the country’s security and stability.

In Haripur, a rally was held to mark the day.

PML-N MNA Babar Nawaz Khan led the rally from Awami Bagh Kalabat Township to Chowk Sheranwala Gate.

Former tehsil municipal administration chairman Samiullah Khan, former MPA Gohar Nawaz Khan, former members of various tehsil, village, and neighbourhood councils, and PML-N workers attended the rally.

In Lower Dir, a rally was held in Timergara to mark one year since the success of Marka-i-Haq with participation from the Markazi Muslim League and local traders.

A large number of residents, traders and representatives of various organisations joined the rally, expressing solidarity with the armed forces.

The rally passed through various markets in Timergara before culminating at Gorgori Chowk, where participants carrying national flags and banners gathered in large numbers.

National flags were displayed on rickshaws and motorcycles participating in the procession.

Markazi Muslim League leader Abu Haroon, traders’ union president Haji Anwaruddin, China Market president Attaullah Zeb, City Centre president Zahir Shah, general secretary Nasir, and Tajik Market president Shamsur Rehman addressed the rally.

In Chitral, a public meeting was organised by PML-N at Ataliq Bridge to commemorate the day.

Participants paid glowing tribute to the armed forces for their victory against India.

PML-N MNA Ghazala Anjum, along with Saeed Ahmed Khan, Mohammad Kausar Advocate, Imran-ul-Mulk and others, lauded the professional capabilities of the armed forces.

Speaking on the occasion, they reiterated that the entire nation stood united with the armed forces, declaring that no enemy would dare cast an evil eye on Pakistan again.

In Swabi, the district administration held a march in the district headquarters, marking the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq.

Swabi deputy commissioner Tariqullah led the rally. The participants expressed solidarity with the armed forces for rendering tremendous sacrifices for the motherland.

In Bajaur, the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq was observed with zeal.

A function was held at Civil Colony Khar, which was attended by scores of people from different walks of life.

Officials of the district administration and other public departments, elders, and representatives of political parties and social activists attended the event.

Additional assistant commissioner Asadullah Khan, additional assistant commissioner Mohammad Nisar Khan, assistant commissioner (revenue) Adil Shahzad, religious scholar Mufti Hanifullah Jan, and others highlighted the armed forces’ success during the conflict with India.

The speakers said that the country’s armed forces, with the support of the people, defeated the Indian forces during the May war.

Several students presented speeches and national songs to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2026