Speakers pay tribute to Pakistan armed forces

Speakers at a webinar, organized by the Center for Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) here Tuesday, paid rich tribute to the Pakistan armed forces, terming them a key pillar of national sovereignty, strategic stability and regional deterrence

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th May, 2026) Speakers at a webinar, organized by the Center for Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) here Tuesday, paid rich tribute to the Pakistan armed forces, terming them a key pillar of national sovereignty, strategic stability and regional deterrence.

The webinar, titled “Voices of Valor: Honoring the Milestone of Marq-e-Haq,” was held to honor the indomitable spirit of the Pakistan Armed Forces, whose strategic supremacy and visionary leadership serve as a bedrock of national sovereignty.

In her opening remarks, COPAIR President Amna Munawwar Awan described the event as a significant milestone reflecting national unity, resilience and collective resolve. She said that the initiative was designed to convey a clear message of national cohesion and unwavering support for the country’s defence institutions. She further said that Pakistan was an emerging power in South Asia with growing relevance in global markets, adding that the country’s strength was lying in its institutional stability and national solidarity. She paid tribute to the sacrifices and professionalism of the armed forces, including soldiers and security personnel, for safeguarding the country.

Amna Munawwar Awan also outlined a series of upcoming engagements under COPAIR’s broader programme to mark the first anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq” against India, including youth-focused interactive sessions with university students and a major conference scheduled for May 7. She said that the conference would bring together former military officers, defence experts, academics and cybersecurity specialists to discuss evolving security challenges and national preparedness.

Former Information Minister Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, while participating in the event, said Pakistan’s recent diplomatic and military engagements have significantly enhanced its global stature, positioning the country as an important actor in regional and international geopolitics. He said Pakistan is increasingly being viewed as a responsible and credible interlocutor in global affairs. He recalled key historical milestones, including the 1974 Islamic Summit in Lahore and Pakistan’s nuclear tests in 1998, describing them as defining moments of national assertion and strategic independence.

Mushahid Hussain said the most recent phase, including the 2025 conflict with India, demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to shape regional dynamics and assert its position despite numerical and material disparities.He criticized India’s handling of past incidents, including the Pulwama episode, saying allegations against Pakistan were not substantiated and ultimately weakened India’s international credibility. He also noted that Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, particularly in conflict de-escalation and regional engagement, had strengthened its global image.

Referring to the Pakistan Air Force’s role in the conflict with India, he praised its professionalism, operational readiness, and historical performance, stating that indigenous capability and technological collaboration have enhanced Pakistan’s defence preparedness. He said the conflict also highlighted the expanding scope of modern warfare, which now includes diplomacy, information strategy, and national cohesion alongside traditional military domains.

Senator Mushahid Hussain said Pakistan’s experience has resulted in three key strategic outcomes: improved international standing, reassessment of perceptions of regional power, and increased recognition of Pakistan’s diplomatic relevance in global capitals.

He added that emerging alignments among Pakistan, China, Türkiye, and Gulf partners reflect evolving regional security dynamics.

Retired Major General Samrez Salik said Pakistan effectively managed security challenges, terming it a period of “strategic rebirth.

” He said the outcome of the conflict with India reflected not only battlefield capability but also effective planning, coordination, and execution under pressure.

He emphasized the importance of strategic thinking in warfare, noting that success depends on the effective use of available means and resources. He said Pakistan, during the conflict, demonstrated qualitative superiority through technological advancement and operational discipline.

Air Marshal (R) Farhat Hussain said the Pakistan Air Force responded to India’s recent escalation with a coordinated strategy and strong operational capability. He said Pakistan’s response established deterrence and demonstrated the ability to respond effectively to aggression.

He highlighted that the conflict marked a significant shift in regional air warfare, noting the extensive use of beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile systems and the increased role of drones. He said these developments introduced a new operational dimension to the region, changing traditional air-combat dynamics.

Vice Admiral (R) Ahmed Saeed underlined the importance of maritime security, stating that Pakistan’s sea lines of communication are critical for national trade and energy security. He said nearly 80 percent of the country’s trade is conducted through sea routes, making maritime protection essential for economic stability.

He said the Pakistan Navy remained on high alert during recent tensions with India and effectively ensured the security of maritime frontiers, preventing any escalation at sea. He also highlighted attempts to disrupt trade flows by India during the conflict, which he said were successfully countered through resilience and continued operational stability.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s maritime sector holds significant untapped economic potential and must be integrated into broader national development strategies. He said the Navy continues to play a dual role in defence and economic security.

Former ambassador Masood Khalid said Pakistan’s armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force, demonstrated strong operational readiness and professionalism in responding to recent tensions. He said Pakistan’s response surprised adversaries and highlighted its conventional military capability.

He added that international analysts are closely studying the dynamics of recent conflicts, particularly in relation to modern warfare thresholds and strategic deterrence. He further said that Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement with major powers reflects its increasing relevance in global affairs.

He said Pakistan is positioned to benefit from emerging regional realignments and evolving geopolitical frameworks, stressing the importance of strengthening economic linkages alongside diplomatic engagement.

Analyst Prof. Dr. Riaz Shad said Pakistan’s performance in the 2025 conflict with India reflected strength across military, diplomatic, informational, and national unity dimensions. He added that Pakistan successfully countered opposing narratives at the international level while maintaining a balanced diplomatic approach. He said this reflects a broader shift in Pakistan’s position from marginalization to greater diplomatic relevance.

In her concluding remarks, educationist Naheed Goraya said the webinar represented more than a commemorative exercise, describing it as a reflection of national cohesion and institutional resilience. She said such initiatives strengthen national identity and enhance strategic awareness through academic and policy-oriented dialogue. She appreciated COPAIR for providing a platform that bridges academia, policy, and security discourse, noting that such engagement contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary challenges.