The Pakistan Independence Day messages of top Pakistani leadership, including military leaders, were filled with grandstanding and digs at India, especially in the context of the recent four-day military stand-off between the two countries.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardar, in his message, claimed that his country responded with clarity, courage and restraint while dealing with "unjustified Indian aggression" and added that Islamabad does not bow to coercion. “But this moment is about more than military success. It is a reminder of what we can achieve when we are united, focused, and committed to a common goal,” he was quoted as saying.
The month of May saw a rapid and severe military escalation between India and Pakistan, in the wake of Operation Sindoor, launched by India after the Pahalgam terrorist attack to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.
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“Pakistan’s historic victory in Marka-i-Haq during the four-day war imposed by India has not only reinforced the sanctity of our freedom, but has also instilled a renewed sense of ambition and national spirit," said Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, and claimed that his country's armed forces "shattered the pride" of India.
“The military capability, valour and faith of our brave soldiers and air warriors forced the enemy to kneel down," he claimed.
Pakistan Naval Academy Commandant Commodore Tassawar Iqbal said Pakistan's freedom of joy has increased manifold "after defeating India "decisively in the battle of truth on May 10.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar claimed that Pakistan delivered a crushing defeat to India in May.
