Marka-e-Haq: Pakistan Honours Heroes Who Defended the Nation Against India’s Aggression

A Nation’s Tribute on the 78th Independence Day

On the 78th Independence Day, Pakistan stood united in honouring the gallant warriors and resolute leaders who safeguarded the nation during the four-day conflict with India in May 2025. The ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr was not merely a ritual, it was a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s unshakeable will to defend its sovereignty. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conferred top military and civilian awards on those who, in the words of the citation, displayed “unquestionable courage, military prowess, firm belief and unshakeable patriotism.” This was the first Independence Day since India’s aggression of Operation Sindoor on May 7, which targeted civilian infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The response, Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, was swift, precise, and decisive, compelling India into a ceasefire by May 10.

Operation Bunyanum Marsoos: Turning the Tide Against India

India’s reckless assault was met with a disciplined, multi-domain Pakistani retaliation that dismantled its offensive capability. For four days May 7 to May 10, Pakistani forces executed precision drone and missile strikes that neutralised Indian military positions and blunted its aggression. The state named the conflict Marka-e-Haq, the Battle of Truth, to underscore its just cause. As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared, “We have shown the world that Pakistan will never bow to intimidation. When provoked, we respond with resolve, precision, and unity.” These awards are not just acknowledgements of individual service; they symbolise a nation’s victory over naked aggression.

Military Gallantry: Heroes of the Armed Forces

Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was awarded the Hilal-e-Jurat for leading the war effort from April 22 to May 10, formulating strategy, and inspiring the troops. “In light of your unquestionable courage, military prowess, firm belief and unshakeable patriotism, the President awards you the Hilal-e-Jurat,” his citation read. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu also received the Hilal-e-Jurat for commanding the Pakistan Air Force during the critical air battle of May 6-7. Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for forcing the Indian Navy to withdraw. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza earned the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) for his strategic advisory role during Marka-e-Haq.

Eight Pakistan Air Force fighter pilots, Wing Commander Bilal Raza, Wing Commander Hammad Ibne Masood, Squadron Leader M Yousaf Khan, Squadron Leader Muhammad Osama Ishfaq, Squadron Leader Muhammad Hassan Anees, Squadron Leader Talal Hassan, Squadron Leader Fida Muhammad Khan, and Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Ashhad Amir received the Sitara-e-Jurat for exceptional aerial combat performance. Other honours included five Tamgha-e-Jurat, 24 Sitara-e-Basalat, 45 Tamgha-e-Basalat, 146 Imtiazi Asnad, 259 COAS Commendation Cards, and one Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military).

ISI Director General Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik and ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry were each awarded the Sitara-e-Basalat for operational leadership and information warfare excellence. Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed and Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz, spokespersons of the Air Force and Navy, also received the Sitara-e-Basalat for skilfully briefing the media and countering India’s propaganda in real time.

Political and Diplomatic Front: Outmaneuvering India Globally

While the military held the line on the battlefield, Pakistan’s political and diplomatic leadership dismantled India’s false narrative abroad. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for “exposing India’s one-sided diplomatic attacks” and securing global understanding of Pakistan’s stance. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was honoured with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for decisive leadership and military-civil coordination during the crisis.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar earned the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for ensuring “complete coordination in the dissemination of information by civil and military institutions,” neutralising India’s disinformation campaigns. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar received the award for challenging India’s illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and condemning its attacks on civilians. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was recognised for maintaining national unity despite “heavy attacks by India on civilians and places of worship.”

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who led Pakistan’s international delegation, was presented the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for promoting Pakistan’s position in New York, London, and Brussels. Members of the diplomatic team, Dr Musadik Malik, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Faisal Subzwari, Hina Rabbani Khar, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Tehmina Janua, and Jalil Abbas Jilani, were all awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for “effective, proactive, and courageous” advocacy worldwide.

Martyrs Immortalised in the Nation’s Heart

Pakistan also paid tribute to its martyrs. Those honoured posthumously included Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf (Tamgha-e-Basalat), Senior Technician Najeeb Sultan (Imtiazi Sanad), Chief Technician Muhammad Aurangzeb (Imtiazi Sanad), Corporal Technician Farooq (Imtiazi Sanad), Senior Technician Mubashir (Imtiazi Sanad), Havaldar Muhammad Naveed (Tamgha-e-Basalat), Naik Waqar Khalid (Tamgha-e-Basalat), Naik Abdul Rehman (Tamgha-e-Jurat), Lance Naik Dilawar Khan (Tamgha-e-Basalat), Lance Naik Ikramullah (Tamgha-e-Jurat), Sepoy Nisar Ali (Sitara-e-Basalat), and Sepoy Adeel Akbar (Tamgha-e-Jurat). Their courage now forms part of Pakistan’s enduring legacy of resistance.

Pakistan’s Message to the World: Resolve, Unity, and Victory

Marka-e-Haq was not just a military engagement, it was a national statement. As President Asif Ali Zardari said, “This was not only a defence of our borders but a defence of our dignity, our sovereignty, and our truth.” India’s calculated aggression was met with disciplined resistance, coordinated strategy, and unified political will. The 488 military personnel honoured along with the civilian leaders and diplomats embody Pakistan’s doctrine of defence: military strength, political unity, and international engagement.

As the world watched, Pakistan proved it will never be coerced. The medals conferred at Aiwan-e-Sadr are more than symbols; they are proof of a living truth, that when threatened, Pakistan answers not with fear, but with the roar of courage and the precision of justice.