The day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers in mosques throughout the country.
A 31-gun salute was presented in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes echoed across all provincial capitals, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, as Pakistan marked Youm-e-Tashakur to celebrate the historic victory of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
The ceremonial artillery fire symbolized the nation’s gratitude and recognition of the Pakistan Armed Forces’ success in Marka-e-Haq, a decisive operation in response to Indian aggression.
The skies across the country reverberated with patriotic chants including “Takbeer – Allahu Akbar,” “Pakistan Zindabad,” and “Long Live Pakistan Armed Forces.”
Gun salutes, change of guard ceremonies, and floral wreaths laid at monuments to the fallen were part of the day-long events honouring the courage and sacrifices of Pakistan’s defenders.
Change of guard ceremonies were held this morning at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore. Special floral wreaths were laid at Yadgaar-e-Shuhada to honour the sacrifices of the martyrs.
In Lahore, members of the Clean City Labour Union held a celebratory demonstration at the Lahore Press Club to commemorate the achievement of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
Special meetings are being held with the families of martyrs to pay tribute to their sacrifices. Local governments and military officials are personally visiting these families, recognizing their contribution to the nation’s defence.
In his earlier address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced that Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq would be observed annually on May 10 to commemorate the successful defence of the homeland and the bravery of the armed forces. He emphasized that this day symbolizes national unity and pride in the military’s professional capabilities.
President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz have also issued special messages to the nation on the occasion of Youm-e-Tashakur declaring the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos as a joint victory of Pakistan’s armed forces and its proud, dignified people.
In his message marking the day of thanksgiving over Pakistan’s resounding success in response to Indian aggression, President Asif Ali Zardari said that the nation is celebrating Youm-e-Tashakur to honour the triumph of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
He paid tribute to the brave soldiers and commanders of the armed forces, saying this victory does not belong to the military alone but is shared by the entire nation.
President Zardari praised the professional and powerful response of Pakistan’s military to Indian provocations. “The world has acknowledged Pakistan’s patience and recognized our operational excellence,” he said.
He reiterated that Pakistan is a peaceful nation with no aggressive ambitions, but will never compromise on its sovereignty or territorial integrity. “Any aggression against our soil will be met with a decisive response,” the president warned.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his special message on Youm-e-Tashakur, stated that the Pakistan Air Force’s falcons turned the enemy into a cautionary tale within a few hours during the recent confrontation.
“Today, the nation is expressing gratitude to Allah Almighty for the glorious victory against India’s open aggression and provocation,” the premier said.
He extended gratitude to General Syed Asim Munir for his wise and courageous leadership in achieving this great victory. He also praised Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Babar and his “falcons” for their exemplary performance and saluted Admiral Naveed Ashraf of the Pakistan Navy for safeguarding the country’s maritime frontiers.