Patriotic spirit fills KP streets a year after Marka-e-Haq's historic victory

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th May, 2026) As dawn broke over the mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, the sounds of patriotic songs and chanting crowds filled the air from Peshawar to Chitral, celebrating the first anniversary of Marka- e-Haq's victory with national enthusiasm.

Elderly men wrapped in green and white cloths, young students waving national flags and families carrying portraits of the soldiers gathered in cities, towns and remote villages of all districts of KP to celebrate one year of the historic victory of Marka-e-Haq against India.

The anniversary was marked with massive rallies and public gatherings in KP amid tributes to the armed forces across Pakistan, assuring full support.

But beyond speeches and slogans, the day unfolded as a deeply emotional public expression of unity, sacrifice and national pride.

In a mammoth rally in district Nowshera, shopkeeper Bilal Khan, labourer Irshad Ali, hairdresser Abdul Lateef, farmer Misal Khan and PST retired teacher Riaz Khan stood shoulder to shoulder with college students carrying green-and-white flags, raising full-throated slogans of Pakistan Zindabad.

“We came here in thousands to honour the armed forces of Pakistan, who protected the country from the three times larger enemy India that attacked innocent people in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on the midnight of May 6-7 last year,” they said.

Raising national flag, they said, people from every walk of life are standing together today to pay tribute to the defenders of Pakistan who defeated the enemy on all fronts.

Thousands of children painted crescent moons on their cheeks while elders recounted memories of tense days in May last year, when India's hostilities sharply escalated.

Many participants described the rallies not only as celebrations of the military success of Pakistan but also as a tribute to the courage and resilience shown by the ordinary citizens during those difficult times.

From Khyber to Kohistan and Waziristan to Swat, thousands of people joined processions that reflected a rare sense of collective identity and patriotism.

National flags fluttered atop vehicles and rooftops while chants in support of armed forces echoed through busy bazaars and narrow streets of Peshawar, Nowshera, DI Khan, Abbottabad, Kohat, Swat, Dir, Chitral, Bannu, Mansehra, Swabi, Karak, Malakand and other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Massive rallies were also held in tribal districts, including Waziristan, Parachinar, Kurram, Orakzai, Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur.

The tribal people raised the national flags and praised the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and CDF/Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying the country had demonstrated exemplary unity in the face of external threats.

Addressing a massive rally in Nowshera, PML-N leader Sahibzada Hamza described Marka-e-Haq as a defining chapter in Pakistan’s defence history. He said the events of last year have strengthened national confidence and revived patriotism among the younger generation.

“The sacrifices of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and ordinary citizens played a vital role in ensuring peace and stability,” he told participants gathered under large banners and portraits of national leaders.

He said Operation Banyan um Marsoos has shattered the deception politcal capital of the Modi regime and India's regional supremacy claims.

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Pakistan shot down multiple advanced fighter aircraft, including Rafale jets of the enemy. He counted four Rafale aircraft along with one MiG-29, one SU-30MKI, one Mirage-2000, and a Heron drone of the enemy that were destroyed by PAF during an encounter. Similarly, S-400 air defence systems, BrahMos missile storage compounds, and several brigade headquarters of the enemy were successfully targeted, reflecting the scale and depth of Pakistan's successful operation.

This marked a significant operational achievement of Pakistan, he remarked, adding that the operation testified that PAF was an undisputed king of the skies.

Pakistan's diplomatic standing among comity of nations increased and the military strategy received widespread acclaim.

For many young attendees of these rallies in Nowshera, however, the day carried a more personal meaning and motivation.

“We grew up hearing stories of 65 War about sacrifice and courage,” said school student Malaika Bibi while attending a gathering in Peshawar. “The Marka e Haq anniversary reminds us that national unity matters more than political differences and students are ready to give every sacrifice for protection of motherland.”

Teachers and academics also viewed the anniversary through a social lens. Former University of Peshawar professor Dr Ejaz Khan said the events surrounding Marka-e-Haq had become a symbol of resilience, courage and determination.

“People felt emotionally connected because they believed the country stood united at a difficult moment,” he said while speaking to APP.

The first anniversary of Marka e Haq had sparked conversations among youth about patriotism, public service and national responsibility.

In KP, local communities organized special prayers for peace and for families of those affected during the conflict. Children performed national songs while social organizations distributed food and refreshments to rally participants.

Defence analysts said the first anniversary of Marka e Haq had also renewed public discussion about Pakistan’s security, diplomacy and economic future. Many speakers emphasized that national strength depends not only on military preparedness, but also on education, technological advancement and social development.

Dr Ejaz said Pakistan’s strong response to last year’s conflict was highly matured that helped reinforce its diplomatic position internationally.

He said the resolution of Kashmir dispute was imperative for lasting peace and stability in subcontinent.

Despite the political overtones of the gatherings, the strongest emotions on display were often human ones such as immense pride, remembrance and hope.

As crowds slowly dispersed, families folded flags and volunteers cleared roads, many people in conversations lingering in tea stalls and village squares, said the spirit of unity witnessed during the rallies passed a strong message of the historic day that we all unite for defence and security of Pakistan.

For supporters across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq was more than a remembrance of conflict. It was, in their eyes, a reflection of national resilience, patriotism and a strong reminder of the sacrifices that made Pakistan"s defense impregnable.