For years, Pakistan was widely perceived as a struggling nation-grappling with terrorism, facing recurring economic crises, and enduring persistent political instability. However, the conflict of May 2025 challenged many of these assumptions, compelling both India and the wider international community to reassess Pakistan’s resilience and strategic capabilities. The Ma’arka-e-Haq (“Battle of Truth”) has emerged as a defining military episode that strategic analysts may study for years to come.
The origins of the conflict can be traced to an incident in Pahalgam, India, last year, which tragically claimed several lives. Within hours, New Delhi directed accusations toward Islamabad. In response, Pakistan condemned the violence, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered support for an impartial investigation through a credible third-party international body.
Despite this conciliatory approach, the Modi administration and sections of the Indian media continued to promote a confrontational narrative. During diplomatic briefings with foreign representatives, Indian officials reportedly faced demands for concrete evidence linking Pakistan to the incident-evidence that, according to Pakistan’s position, was never presented.
Amid rising tensions and heightened war rhetoric, India launched military actions against Pakistan in May 2025. For three consecutive days, Indian drones reportedly violated Pakistani airspace, whereupon Pakistan’s armed forces responded by intercepting and neutralising them.
For many Pakistanis, the Ma’arka-e-Haq represents more than a military confrontation; it symbolises national resilience, unity, and survival under pressure
On the diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar played a significant role in articulating Pakistan’s position to allies and Western governments. According to Pakistani officials, no major international power publicly endorsed India’s allegations regarding the Pahalgam incident.
Pakistan’s counter-response began on the morning of May 10, 2025, under Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsous. According to Pakistani military sources, the operation marked a significant moment in modern aerial warfare. Pakistan claimed to have targeted multiple Indian airbases and disrupted key elements of India’s air defence infrastructure, including the S-400 missile defence system.
During the height of the engagement, reports indicated that more than 150 Indian combat aircraft were deployed in the operational theatre. In response, a comparatively smaller contingent of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircraft maintained defensive and offensive operations. Pakistani sources claimed that several Indian fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft, were shot down during the confrontation. The conflict eventually de-escalated following diplomatic intervention led by the United States and other international actors.
The conduct of sections of the Indian media during the crisis also drew criticism. Several outlets broadcast unverified claims regarding territorial advances and military successes, many of which were later questioned by international observers and media organisations. In contrast, Pakistani media outlets were widely viewed domestically as having exercised comparatively greater restraint and responsibility in their coverage of the conflict.
Support from the Pakistani public played an important role during the crisis. Public demonstrations of solidarity, particularly in Punjab, reflected a strong sense of national unity and morale during a period of heightened regional tension.
A considerable share of the credit for Pakistan’s performance during the conflict has been attributed by supporters to the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Their supporters argue that effective civil-military coordination enabled Pakistan to respond cohesively despite facing a significantly larger adversary.
Observers within Pakistan have also highlighted the long-term defence modernisation initiatives associated with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In particular, the JF-17 Thunder program has been described by Pakistani analysts as a major contributor to the country’s evolving air combat capabilities and an increasingly recognised platform in international defence markets.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu’s leadership and the operational preparedness of PAF pilots were also widely praised within Pakistan. Supporters contend that the training and professionalism of the “Shaheens” enabled them to effectively counter technologically advanced systems during the conflict.
For many Pakistanis, the Ma’arka-e-Haq represents more than a military confrontation; it symbolises national resilience, unity, and survival under pressure. The conflict has since become part of a broader national narrative emphasising solidarity between the state, the armed forces, and the public during a critical moment in the country’s contemporary history.
The writer is the PRO of information minister Punjab.