Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah addressed a ceremony commemorating the “Jashn-e-Ma’raka-e-Haq” (Festival of the Battle of Truth), marking a year since what he described as Pakistan’s historic defensive victory and national unity against Indian aggression.
Speaking at a local hotel today, he recalled that precisely one year prior, India had cast “an evil eye” upon Pakistan, but the nation collectively responded with solidarity, according to a statement today.
The Chief Minister stated that the Sindh government was observing the Festival of the Battle of Truth. He reiterated his assertion that India had viewed Pakistan with malice a year ago, but the armed forces, political leadership, media, and all segments of society had united.
Mr Shah detailed that the sequence of events began on April 22 of the previous year, with India allegedly conducting a false flight operation and then attempting to assign blame to Pakistan. He emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stating, “We do not want war. We are a peace-loving nation.” He further added that Pakistan had challenged India to provide evidence of any involvement, promising accountability for any wrongdoing on Pakistan’s part, but suggested India’s intentions were different, believing Pakistan to be a weakened nation.
According to Mr Shah, India failed to present credible evidence and subsequently resorted to military aggression. He noted, “After using its border forces, India deployed its air force.” He then claimed that Pakistan”s air power responded forcefully, asserting that their “proud Rafale jets” were shot down, and drones were brought down over Pakistani villages. He concluded that India then realised the futility of fighting Pakistan.
Mr Shah recounted that when India launched another wave of aggression at dawn the following day, Pakistan achieved a decisive success within hours. He attributed this victory to the armed forces, the people, and the media. He criticised the Indian media for engaging in extensive propaganda, including a claim that Karachi Port had been attacked, which he stated was refuted by the Naval Commander upon contact.
Paying tribute to those instrumental in Pakistan’s defence capabilities, the Sindh Chief Minister highlighted former prime minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s pivotal role in making the country a nuclear power, citing his historic decision on January 10, 1972, in Multan. He also credited Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto with launching the missile programme to ensure the effective delivery of nuclear capability.
Murad Ali Shah further claimed that in the recent conflict, Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 and J-10C fighter jets were employed to shoot down Indian Rafale aircraft, noting that these jets were acquired during President Asif Ali Zardari’s first term.
The Chief Minister also lauded Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his tenure as the country’s youngest foreign minister, claiming he delivered a “diplomatic defeat to India.” He added that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari “presented Pakistan’s stance before the world in an excellent manner” during the “Battle of Truth.”
Murad Ali Shah pledged that the Pakistan Peoples Party, its government, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would remain steadfast in defending the country.
He also referenced Pakistan’s current defence leadership, stating, “Pakistan’s defence is currently being led by the Chief of Defence Force, Field Marshal Asim Munir.” Mr Shah remarked on an unforeseen scenario, suggesting that Pakistan had intervened to secure a ceasefire if the United States and Israel attacked Iran, describing the act of bringing senior leadership from Iran and the United States together in Islamabad as a “major feat.”
The Chief Minister affirmed that Pakistan has now emerged as a central nation in global conflict resolution efforts. He stated, “Pakistan has asserted its position in the world,” and vowed that the country would continue its role in promoting global peace.
Murad Ali Shah concluded by reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Palestine, asserting, “We will continue to raise our voice against Israeli brutality and in favour of the just cause of Palestine.”