ISLAMABAD, 08 MAY (DNA) — Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Friday said the entire nation stood united alongside the armed forces during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and “Marka-e-Haq”, adding that Pakistan achieved success on military, diplomatic and narrative fronts through national cohesion, responsible media conduct and the bravery of the armed forces.
Addressing a ceremony organized by the Press Association of Supreme Court on completion of one year of the victory in Marka-e-Haq, the minister said the operation had become a symbol of national unity, resilience and collective national spirit where every segment of society played its role.
He thanked the organizers, including senior journalists and the entire Supreme Court Reporters Association, for inviting him to the ceremony and said his relationship with journalists was not linked to power or the current government tenure, but had evolved during years of interaction in the corridors of courts and politics, particularly during the opposition days.
The minister said the ceremony itself reflected the unity demonstrated by the nation during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, adding that the entire country stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces. He recalled that during his speech in parliament he had said there was neither opposition nor government when it came to defending the country, as the entire political divide disappeared in the face of external aggression.
“Success only comes when a nation is united,” he remarked. Tarar referred to iconic images from the conflict, particularly one showing a civilian standing alongside a soldier at the border carrying a rifle and targeting enemy drones, saying such images had become part of history and reflected unprecedented national solidarity.
He said the Pakistani nation achieved distinction on every front, whether narrative, diplomatic or military, due to the blessings of Allah Almighty. The minister said the downing of Rafale fighter jets by the Pakistan Air Force shattered not only the aircraft but also India’s arrogance and narrative.
He said Pakistan Air Force and the country’s air defence system had earned global recognition and respect for their professional capabilities. Referring to Pakistan’s military response, Tarar said the enemy, which had been issuing threats and provocations for four days, was forced to kneel and seek a ceasefire within four hours after Pakistan’s response.
He termed it a blessing of Allah Almighty upon Pakistan and its armed forces. The minister praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his vision and lauded Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his courage, bravery and war strategy.
He said when Fateh missiles were launched, the enemy failed to sustain pressure, while Indian military spokespersons who had earlier made grand claims appeared defeated and demoralized on television shortly afterwards. “Their faces and words were revealing their defeat,” he added, saying India began pleading for a ceasefire soon after.
Tarar said Pakistan after Marka-e-Haq had emerged as a transformed country with enhanced dignity and global respect. He said overseas Pakistanis celebrated their national identity with unprecedented pride, sharing videos and reels displaying Pakistani passports on foreheads, dashboards, tables and pockets.
The minister remarked that in the past many dual nationals preferred introducing themselves through their foreign nationality, but after the victory they openly celebrated their Pakistani identity. “This is the pride and honour of the whole nation,” he said.
He said India had still not recovered from the psychological and diplomatic impact of Pakistan’s response, adding Prime Minister Narendra Modi was facing isolation and India’s foreign policy and broader strategy had suffered setbacks.
The minister particularly appreciated the role of Pakistani media professionals, saying the narrative battle could not have been fought without strong coordination between the government, ISPR and media organizations. He said he and DG ISPR remained in constant contact during the conflict and there was a smooth flow of information throughout. — DNA
