Pakistan marks May 10 to commemorate ‘military victory’ over India

Army chief hails military response as historic; government announces national observance, compensation, and tribute for civilians and soldiers affected during recent hostilities

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Pakistan has declared May 10 as a national day of remembrance following the conclusion of a military operation known as Operation Bunyan um Marsoos, conducted in response to a sharp escalation in tensions with India.

Officials described the operation as a significant moment in the country’s recent military history, which unfolded amid a fragile security situation in the region.

The announcement came after a visit by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, to the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi, where he met with soldiers and civilians injured during the recent hostilities.

In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief described the military’s response as resolute and unified, calling it a defining chapter in Pakistan’s defense record.

He expressed admiration for the courage and commitment of those who were wounded and reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to their long-term care and rehabilitation.

The period of conflict, which Pakistan refers to as Marka-i-Haq or “Battle for Truth,” began after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir.

While India accused Pakistan-based actors of orchestrating the incident and launched retaliatory strikes, Pakistani officials characterized those actions as unprovoked and reported civilian casualties, including women and children, in border areas.

The Pakistan military’s response, culminating in Operation Bunyan um Marsoos on May 10, targeted what it described as military positions responsible for the attacks.

In the political arena, Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution commending the armed forces for what lawmakers called a professional and measured response.

The resolution paid tribute to those who lost their lives and praised the restraint shown by the military despite the provocations.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who introduced the motion, noted that the entire nation had set aside political differences to support the armed forces in defending the country’s sovereignty.

Speaking to the nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that May 10 would be observed annually as Youm-e-Marka-i-Haq, or Day of the Battle for Truth. He said this observance would commemorate what he described as a significant moment of national unity and military preparedness.

Additionally, Friday, May 16, will be marked across the country with special prayers, in what the government is calling Youm-i-Tashakur, or Day of Gratitude. The prayers are intended to honor those who lost their lives and to seek national progress and peace.

The prime minister also announced a comprehensive compensation package for the families of both military personnel and civilians affected by the recent cross-border conflict.

According to the ISPR, the military operation was launched in direct response to air and missile strikes by India on the nights of May 6 and 7, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.

Both countries maintain heavy troop deployments along the Line of Control, the de facto border dividing the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. Though skirmishes and ceasefire violations have occurred periodically, the scale and timing of the recent exchange of fire have led to renewed calls for restraint from diplomatic missions in the region.

Pakistan’s leadership has framed the events of early May as a moment of national mobilization and resilience.

In his remarks, General Munir stated that the valor of civilians and soldiers alike forms the bedrock of the country’s national security. “The entire nation stands in solidarity with every member of its armed forces,” he said, adding that hostile designs would not succeed in weakening Pakistan’s defense posture.

For now, military activity along the border appears to have subsided, though both governments have signaled continued vigilance, and no formal ceasefire agreement has been announced.