Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir used the first anniversary of what Pakistan calls 'Marka-e-Haq' to revive his rhetoric around the 'two-nation theory,' framing the military confrontation with India last year as a fundamental 'battle between two ideologies.'
Addressing a ceremony at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Sunday, Munir claimed Pakistan's strategy during the four-day conflict in May 2025 was 'superior' to India's. He asserted that 'Marka-e-Haq was not merely a traditional war fought between two countries or militaries, but in reality, it was a decisive marka (battle) between two ideologies.'
Context of the 2025 Conflict
The conflict followed a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, India, in April 2025, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. In response, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, carrying out airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These strikes reportedly eliminated at least 100 terrorists.
Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes, but most were thwarted by the Indian military. Hostilities ceased on May 10 after talks between military officials from both nations. Munir alleged at the anniversary event that India had 'violated the sovereignty and territory' of Pakistan between May 6 and May 10 last year, claiming Pakistan responded 'with full national unity and military force.'
Claims of Ceasefire and Future Warfare
The Pakistani military chief further claimed that India had sought a ceasefire through the United States, and Pakistan agreed 'in the interest of peace.' India has consistently maintained that the understanding to halt military action was reached directly between the two sides via military channels, without third-party mediation.
Looking ahead, Munir stated that future wars would increasingly be 'multi-domain' conflicts. He affirmed Pakistan's preparations through technological advancements, hardware upgrades, and training. 'Our defence will remain impeccable. We want peace and will maintain it through credible deterrence,' he added.
Reviving the Two-Nation Theory
Munir's recent remarks echoed a provocative speech he delivered days before the Pahalgam terror attack at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad. In that address, he explicitly invoked the two-nation theory, emphasizing the differences between Hindus and Muslims.
"You have to narrate Pakistan's story to your children so that they don’t forget it when our forefathers thought we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life," Munir had stated. "Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different; that’s where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations, we are not one nation."
He further elaborated, stating, "The two-nation theory was based on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one. Muslims are distinct from Hindus in all aspects of life – religion, customs, traditions, thinking and aspirations."
India has consistently reiterated that its military actions are aimed at countering cross-border terrorism and safeguarding its national security. On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, India reaffirmed its right to self-defense against Pakistan-backed terrorism and pledged to strengthen the global fight against terror.