Lisbon Rally Draws Thousands for Marka-e-Haq Celebrations

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) Thousands of Overseas Pakistanis, Kashmiris and members of the Sikh community from across Europe gathered in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon on Sunday for a large-scale event organised by the EU Pak Friendship Federation Portugal and Tehreek-e-Azadi Kashmir Europe to celebrate Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan un Marsoos.

The speakers there praised Pakistan’s armed forces and reaffirmed support for Kashmir and Khalistan causes.

The programme, held in Lisbon on May 17, drew participants from Portugal, Sweden, Italy, France, Belgium and Spain, making it one of the largest gatherings of overseas Pakistanis in Europe linked to the celebrations.

Participants ranging from young children to senior citizens carried Pakistani and Kashmiri flags along with portraits of Syed Asim Munir while chanting slogans in support of Pakistan and its armed forces.

The event was organised by Syed Qasim Sajjad Shah, president of the EU Pak Friendship Federation Portugal, alongside Raja Hasnain Nawaz, Sheikh Ajar and Sagheer Ahmed of Tehreek-e-Azadi Kashmir Europe.

President of the EU Pak Friendship Federation Italy Qaisar Bashir King also attended the gathering.

Chairman of the EU Pak Friendship Federation Europe Dr. Perveiz Iqbal Lohsar attended as chief guest, while the programme was presided over by Umair Khan, head of chancery at the Pakistan Embassy in Portugal.

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Addressing the gathering, Dr Lohsar said Pakistan’s armed forces had demonstrated their capability in responding to Indian aggression during the May 2025 conflict, praising the leadership of Gen Asim Munir and the role of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy.

He said Pakistan remained committed to peace but is fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any future aggression.

A musical performance by a young child playing the national anthem and the patriotic song “Dil Dil Pakistan” on guitar drew applause from the audience, while young overseas Pakistanis born and raised in Portugal also expressed support for Pakistan during the event.

Representatives of Kashmiri and Sikh communities reiterated support for Kashmir and Khalistan causes and joined the celebrations.

Dr Lohsar announced that May would continue to be observed as the “Month of Celebrations of Marka-e-Haq”, with more events planned across European countries in the coming weeks.

The programme concluded with expressions of unity and solidarity among overseas Pakistanis and supporters of Pakistan and Kashmir across Europe.