From conflict to credibility: Marka-e-Haq elevates Pakistan’s diplomatic stature globally

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Apr, 2026) Pakistan’s diplomatic standing has witnessed a notable transformation following the May conflict with India, as global attention refocused on South Asia and its fragile security dynamics.

In the wake of intense hostilities and unprovoked attacks of India on mid night of May 6-7, 2025 in Punjab and Azad Kashmir, Islamabad moved swiftly to engage major world powers and international organizations, projecting an image of restraint and offered India for an impartial investigation of Pehalgam incident.

This calibrated diplomatic approach, coupled with its narrative of regional stability, helped Pakistan gain traction in key global forums and shift perceptions in its favour.

By emphasizing peaceful resolution and adherence to international norms, Pakistan drew support from several countries and multilateral institutions that called for de-escalation and later condemned the Indian unprovoked attacks in Pakistan.

These strong responses indirectly reinforced Pakistan’s stance while bringing renewed international focus to longstanding disputes, particularly resolution of Kashmir dispute.

Dr. Ibadullah Khan, opposition leader in KP Assembly said that Marka-e-Haq and Pakistan’s proactive role have boosted the country’s international reputation, restoring its standing as a global leader.

He said the entire nation remains firmly united behind its leadership, emphasizing that Pakistan’s global standing has witnessed significant improvement along with greater respect for its passport on the international stage.

Dr Ibad said that the strong and decisive response of the armed forces of Pakistan to India on May 10 last year has drawn appreciation from global leaders and international observers, who acknowledged Pakistan’s principles stance and professional conduct.

He added that this growing global acknowledgment has significantly elevated the country’s reputation, attributing the development to the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and CDF/COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir as under their guidance, Pakistan has defeated India on all fronts and Islamabad image has been strengthened worldwide.

Analysts argued that the post Marka-e-Haq environment has created an opportunity for Pakistan to reposition itself as a responsible and measured actor, advocating stability in a volatile region.

High-level diplomatic engagements, strategic communication, and participation in global discussions further strengthened its image on the world stage.

Domestically, the events surrounding Marka-e-Haq—spanning April 22 to May 10, 2025—is being commemorated across the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where ceremonies and public gatherings continue to pay tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan and national leadership.

From Khyber to Karachi and Gwadar to Chitral, citizens are expressing solidarity and recognition of what is widely portrayed as a defining moment in Pakistan’s recent defence history.

Marka-e-Haq has also been credited with fostering national unity, patriotism, and renewed confidence in state institutions in Pakistan.

Diplomatic, academic and policy experts viewed Marka-e-Haq is more than a military encounter but safeguarding national prestige and honour, describing it as a catalyst for both diplomatic and national resurgence.

Professor Dr. Hussain Soharwardi, Chairman of International Relations Department at the University of Peshawar, said that Marka-e-Haq enhanced Pakistan's diplomatic prestige in world.

He said Pahalgam attack has badly exposed the hollowness of the Modi regime's long-standing narrative of peace and development in the Occupied Kashmir where life has become a nightmare for millions of oppressed Kashmiris.

Pehalgam attack, widely suspected to be orchestrated under suspicious circumstances by RAW in a bid to malign Pakistan in April last year, had testfied India's state-sponsored terrorism and intelligence failure.

India views projects like Gwadar Port and CPEC as threats and made nefarious plots in past to obstruct its progress by creating regional instability.

The arrest of Indian spy Kalbushan Yadev has magfied India's direct involvement in terrorism in Pakistan.

He emphasized that Pakistan's strong response during Marka-e-Haq against Indian aggression highlighted both strategic capability and a commitment to sovereignty, reinforcing its standing in the international arena carrying strong defense.

He observed that Pakistan’s emphasis on its right to self-defense under international law, including Article 51 of the UN Charter, strengthened its diplomatic narrative.

According to him, the May conflict has not only reshaped regional power perceptions but also elevated Pakistan’s profile among the global community of nations.

He added that renewed attention to Kashmir and offers of mediation by international actors signaled a broader shift in diplomatic engagement with the issue.

Former ambassador Manzoorul Haq also pointed to the strategic implications of Marka-e-Haq, highlighting Pakistan's enhanced defense capabilities and strengthened international partnerships.

He said that Pakistan’s outreach to both Western and Eastern powers, including the United States and China, reflected a balanced foreign policy approach aimed at long-term stability and cooperation.

The post Marka-e-Haq developments, he argued, have opened avenues for economic and defence collaboration and investment, linking diplomatic gains with broader national progress.

Despite ongoing challenges in regional relations, the post-conflict phase has allowed Pakistan to reframe its global image from a state often viewed through the lens of securty to one increasingly associated with diplomatic engagement, restraint and stability.

He said a stretagic defence agreement between Pakistan and KSA has been signed and both US-Iran participated in Islamabad for peace talks recently.

Observers believed that sustaining this momentum will depend on continued adherence to international norms, constructive dialogue, and internal cohesion.

As Pakistan plays a key role in world peace, Marka-e-Haq may well be remembered as a turning point that elevated its diplomatic and defence credibility and broadened its strategic depth.