Pakistan is observing a day of gratitude on Friday to mark a monumental victory in the battle for truth against India. The day began in the federal capital, Islamabad, with a 31-gun salute. All provincial capitals, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan, echoed with 21-gun salutes.
Qur’an recitations and special prayers for national security and the martyrs were held in mosques across the country following Fajr prayers. Wreaths are being laid at martyrs' monuments nationwide, accompanied by prayer ceremonies.
The main event will take place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will serve as the chief guest. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, along with the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, will also attend the ceremony.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies are being held in federal and provincial capitals. Across the country, floral tributes are being paid at memorials, with prayer services being held in memory of the fallen heroes. Meetings with the families of martyrs have also been arranged to pay tribute to their sacrifices.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to martyrs of Marka-e-Haq.
In their messages on Youm-e-Tashakur, they said the day is being observed to thank Allah Almighty for the magnificent victory of Pakistan against the open aggression of India.
President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity and core national interests.
He said it is a great moment for us to celebrate the victory of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in response to Indian unprovoked aggression.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said brave and professional armed forces of Pakistan effectively responded in the language of the enemy and wrote a golden chapter in the military history.
The Prime Minister said our Shaheens hammered the enemy and gave it a befitting reply.
He said this is not only victory of our Armed Forces but also success of our principles as honorable and dignified nation.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had downed not five, but six Indian aircraft during the recent confrontation.
During a visit to Kamra Airbase on Thursday, prime minister was accompanied by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
The Prime Minister met with the fighter pilots who played a pivotal role in the operation and praised them in his address. "Let there be no doubt – our eagles shot down not five, but six enemy jets," he declared.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that in just a few hours, the armed forces had written a chapter of courage that will be remembered for eternity. "In less than 10 hours, you defeated the enemy," he told the troops.
