KARACHI: In a rare show of unity, the treasury and opposition benches joined hands on Monday as the Sindh Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution marking the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq.

Lawmakers from both sides paid glowing tributes to the country’s political and military leadership, honouring the nation’s solidarity, sacrifices, and resolute response in defending its sovereignty.

At the outset of proceedings, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah tabled the resolution after Speaker Syed Awais Shah granted his request to suspend the business on the agenda to pay tributes to the martyrs of Marka-i-Haq.

The resolution said: “The House pays its most profound and reverent homage to the martyrs of Marka-i-Haq, whose supreme sacrifice stands as an eternal testament to courage, faith, and patriotism. Their blood has nourished the roots of our national resolve, and their legacy shall forever illuminate the path of honour and sacrifice.”

Opposition and treasury lawmakers show rare unity in paying tribute to political and military leadership

The resolution recorded the assembly’s highest appreciation for Pakistan’s Armed Forces, commending their valour, professionalism, and decisive response in defending the country’s sovereignty during operation “Bunyan-um-Marsoos”.

It specifically acknowledged the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

The lawmakers, except for members of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-i-Islami, also paid specific tributes to the services chiefs.

The resolution also commended the political leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their resolve and commitment to national unity and highlighted the diplomatic role of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in presenting Pakistan’s stance internationally.

Further, the house paid tribute to former leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for their foundational roles in Pakistan’s nuclear capability and strategic deterrence.

Opening debate on the resolution, the chief minister recalled India’s false-flag Pahalgam attack on April 22, and May 7, 2025, missile attacks on civilians.

Appreciating the country’s strong defence system and unity among people, he said, “No power can harm Pakistan if the nation stays united,” he said, pledging the PPP and Sindh government would always defend the country’s sovereignty and security.

Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi said the enemy came under cover of darkness but faced defeat and humiliation. “The way Pakistan’s Armed Forces responded was the response of the entire nation. They buried India’s arrogance in the dust,” he added.

“The defence leadership has done what it had to do. Now it’s the political leadership’s responsibility to move forward with an inclusive approach,” he noted.

Other speakers included Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Shah, Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, Minority Minister Giyanchand Israni, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s Iftikhar Alam, Mahesh Kumar Hasihja and Taha Ahmed, PTI’s Sajjad Soomro and PPP’s Sadia Javed and Imdad Pitafi.

The house was later adjourned to Tuesday.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2026