Pakistan Honours Heroes of Marka-e-Haq

Pakistan Awards Top Civil and Military Honors for Courage in ‘Marka-e-Haq’ Victory

ISLAMABAD – August 14, 2025:
On the occasion of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, the nation honored its civil and military leadership for their decisive roles in Marka-e-Haq — the recent conflict in which Pakistan claimed a strategic victory over India. In a dignified ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conferred the country’s highest wartime and peacetime awards on commanders, ministers, diplomats, and other key figures whose actions shaped the outcome of the confrontation.

Honoring the Heroes of Marka-e-Haq

The Marka-e-Haq campaign — fought between April 22, following the Pahalgam attack, and the May 10 ceasefire under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos — is now recognised as a milestone in Pakistan’s defence history. This year’s Independence Day celebrations placed special emphasis on the courage, strategy, and unity displayed during those tense weeks.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, received the Hilal-e-Jurat for personally leading the armed forces and overseeing critical war strategies. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu was presented the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) for his leadership in the decisive May 6–7 air battle, embodying the Air Force’s motto “Second to None.” Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also earned the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) for ensuring naval dominance and providing strategic oversight.

Director General ISI Lt Gen Asim Malik and DG Military Operations Maj Gen Kashif Abdullah were awarded the Sitara-e-Basalat for their operational excellence. Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed and Rear Admiral Shahzad Hamid were honored with the Tamgha-e-Basalat for their distinguished service and pivotal roles in the conflict.

Civilian Leadership’s Strategic Role Recognized

Civilian leaders who defended Pakistan’s position in the international arena also received top honors. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for countering India’s diplomatic offensives and presenting Pakistan’s stance at the UN and other global platforms. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif was similarly recognized for his strategic leadership during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar earned the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for crafting a unified civil-military communication strategy, successfully countering Indian propaganda, and amplifying Pakistan’s narrative worldwide. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar was honored for using legal avenues to challenge India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and advocate for civilians affected by cross-border attacks.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi received the award for preserving national unity and maintaining peace amid heightened tensions. Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also decorated for leading an international delegation to New York, London, and Brussels to present Pakistan’s case.

Delegation members — Sherry Rehman, Musadik Malik, Hina Rabbani Khar, Faisal Subzwari, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Tehmina Janjua, and Jalil Abbas Jilani — each received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for their diplomatic contributions in countering India’s one-sided narrative.

Nationwide Tribute to Sacrifice and Unity

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the ceremony also saw the presentation of 08 Sitara-i-Jurat, 05 Tamgha-i-Jurat, 24 Sitara-i-Basalat, 45 Tamgha-i-Basalat, 146 Imtiazi Asnad, and 259 COAS Commendation Cards to officers and enlisted personnel for their service during the conflict.

President Zardari praised the recipients as “symbols of unwavering courage and patriotism,” while PM Shehbaz dedicated the day to “the soldiers, diplomats, and public servants who defended Pakistan’s sovereignty with honour.”

The awards not only marked the country’s independence celebrations but also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and counter any external threat. The Marka-e-Haq honours now stand as a testament to the unity, discipline, and strategic strength that define the nation’s defence.