Latest news with #OperationBunyan-umMarsoos
Gulf Today
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Pakistan formally recommends US President Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
The Pakistani government has decided to formally recommend US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership' during the recent India-Pakistan crisis. In a post shared on X on Friday night, the government said the international community bore witness to unprovoked and unlawful Indian aggression, which constituted a grave violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives, including women, children, and the elderly. In May, a surprise announcement by Trump of a ceasefire brought an abrupt end to a four-day conflict between India and Pakistan. Trump has since repeatedly said that he averted a nuclear war, saved millions of lives, and grumbled that he got no credit for it. Pakistan agrees that US diplomatic intervention ended the fighting, but India says it was a bilateral agreement between the two militaries. "President Trump demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi, which de-escalated a rapidly deteriorating situation," Pakistan said. "This intervention stands as a testament to his role as a genuine peacemaker." Governments can nominate people for the Nobel Peace Prize. There was no immediate response from Washington. A spokesperson for the Indian government did not respond to a request for comment. Trump has repeatedly said that he's willing to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir region, their main source of enmity. Islamabad, which has long called for international attention to Kashmir, is delighted. In a social media post on Friday, Trump gave a long list of conflicts he said he had resolved, including India and Pakistan and the Abraham accords in his first term between Israel and some Muslim-majority countries. He added: "I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do." Pakistan's move to nominate Trump came in the same week its army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met the US leader for lunch. It was the first time that a Pakistani military leader had been invited to the White House when a civilian government was in place in Islamabad. Following the Indian aggression, Pakistan "launched Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos — a measured, resolute, and precise military response, the post read and noted that the response was executed to exercise the country's "fundamental right to self-defence' and "carefully to re-establish deterrence,' defending its "territorial integrity while consciously avoiding civilian harm.' The post further said that "at a moment of heightened regional turbulence,' President Trump "demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi.' It continued that the US president de-escalated a rapidly deteriorating situation, ultimately securing a ceasefire and averting a broader conflict between the two nuclear states that would have had catastrophic consequences for millions of people in the region and beyond. The post said that this intervention stands as a testament to Trump's role as a genuine peacemaker and his commitment to conflict resolution through dialogue. The government also acknowledged President Trump's "sincere offers to help resolve the longstanding dispute of Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan - an issue that lies at the heart of regional instability. "Durable peace in South Asia would remain elusive until the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Jammu and Kashmir,' it said. The government noted that President Trump's leadership during the 2025 Pakistan-India crisis "manifestly showcases the continuation of his legacy of pragmatic diplomacy and effective peace-building.' The post said that Pakistan remains hopeful that Trump's "earnest efforts' will continue to contribute towards regional and global stability, particularly in the context of ongoing crises in the Middle East, including the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating escalation involving Iran.
Gulf Today
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Pakistan observes 'Thanksgiving Day' to celebrate victory in 'Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos'
Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day) was observed across Pakistan on Friday to commemorate the historic victory of Marka-e-Haq over India and to pay tribute to the armed forces and the resilient people of the country. The day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers in mosques across the country. A 31-gun salute was presented in the federal capital, while a 21-gun salute was held in the provincial capitals to mark the occasion. Change of guard ceremonies were held at the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held in both federal and provincial capitals. Floral wreaths were laid at Yadgar-e-Shuhada, and families of the martyrs of Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos visited to honour their sacrifices. The main ceremony took place at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif attended as the chief guest. The Chief of Army Staff and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee were also present. Shahbaz hoisted the national flag at the Prime Minister's Office House to mark the Thanksgiving Day. PM Shahbaz, together with three chiefs of armed forces, flashes thumbs up during a visit to the Pakistan Air Force's base at Kamra. AFP Across Pakistan, citizens came together to observe Youm-e-Tashakur, celebrating the success of Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos and expressing solidarity with the Armed Forces of Pakistan. Rallies were taken out in several cities of Pakistan. In Hafizabad, the Anjuman Tajran led a rally from Press Club to Fawara Chowk, expressing gratitude for Pakistan's military success. Kamalia witnessed a large rally from the Assistant Commissioner's Office to Kalma Chowk, with citizens participating actively. In Sukkur, the Municipal Corporation hosted a special event at the Walking Track Park, where Sindh's tallest national flag-towering at 300 feet-was hoisted. Multan saw a major rally from the District Council Office to Chowk Kutchery, drawing participation from administrative officials, religious scholars, and citizens. In Muzaffarabad, a tribute ceremony was held at the Martyrs' Monument, where ministers and the chief secretary laid floral wreaths. A well-coordinated police contingent presented a guard of honour. Similarly, in Athmuqam, the district complex hosted a flag salute ceremony, and police paid tribute with Pakistani and Kashmiri flags. PM Shahbaz Sharif meets with a soldier who was injured during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, at the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi. AFP Faisalabad held a major rally from District Council Chowk to Ghanta Ghar Chowk, led by the commissioner, deputy commissioner, RPO, and local MNAs. Dera Ghazi Khan's community held Quran Khawani at Police Lines Mosque in honour of martyrs. In Rawalpindi, Chaklala Cantonment Board organised a flag-hoisting ceremony with prayers for national unity and security. In Gojra, rallies were led by Anjuman Tajiran and Railway Road residents, with participation from the bar association and Christian community, while Quran recitation and prayer were held for martyrs. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released Yalghar Hai, a new national song, which hailed the bravery of Pakistan's military and the unity of the nation amid recent challenging times. Hussnain Ali Paracha wrote and performed the anthem, which was posted on ISPR's social media accounts with an impassioned message, urging the country to honour its spirit of patriotism and resiliency. The ISPR describes Yalghar Hai as a celebration of the armed forces' bravery, unity, and triumph. The song highlights the selfless dedication and unwavering resolve of every soldier standing guard for the motherland. It serves not only as a musical tribute but also as a symbol of national pride and collective strength. With deeply evocative lyrics and moving visuals, Yalghar Hai aims to ignite a sense of honour and inspiration in the hearts of Pakistanis across the globe. In a message, the prime minister paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces who laid their lives for achieving success during, what he called, the Marka-e-Haq. "Today, Youm-e-Tashakur is being observed across the country to thank Allah Almighty for the magnificent success and victory of Pakistan against the open aggression and provocation of India.' During the midnight of May 6 and May 7, India while acting cowardly attacked Pakistan resulting in the martyrdom of innocent Pakistani citizens and we were forced to respond for the sake of these innocent citizens, he added. He said the world saw that in just a few hours an enemy which was many times bigger came to its knees and the planes which were pride of India turned into ashes and became a sign of a bitter lesson. "Our Shaheens hammered the enemy and gave it a befitting reply,' he said adding the brave and professional armed forces of Pakistan effectively and fully responded in the language of the enemy and wrote a golden chapter in the military history and foiled the designs of the enemy. "The army bases, piles of weapons and air bases turned into ruins in a blink of an eye,' he said and added that their Rafale fighter jets became target of our Shaheens and were defeated with the grace of Allah. In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tributes to the valiant soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the entire military leadership on the occasion of Thanksgiving Day to observe the victory against India and said that it is a great moment for us to celebrate the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in response to Indian unprovoked aggression. "I am grateful to Almighty Allah for blessing us with victory in this critical hour. I pay tribute to the valiant soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the entire military leadership, especially the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Chief of Naval Staff,' he said.
Gulf Today
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Ready for war and peace, choice is yours, PM tells India
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday visited the frontline areas of 'Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos,' part of Marka-e-Haq (Battle for Truth), expressing solidarity with armed forces and lauding their role in defending the country's sovereignty. On May 10, Pakistan launched 'Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos' and deployed its Al-Fatah missile and targeted multiple Indian military installations. Pakistan destroyed BrahMos storage facilities at Beas and Nagrota and S-400 battery systems at Adampur and Bhuj were also attacked and effectively neutralised by Pakistan Air Force. During his visit to Pasrur Cantonment near Sialkot on Wednesday, prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Attaullah Tarar, Corps Commander Sialkot, and senior civil and military officials. Shahbaz met with officers and soldiers actively engaged in the military operation. 'The nation is proud of your dedication and sacrifice,' the prime minister told troops during his interaction, as per a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office. The prime minister also announced plans to visit various air and naval bases in the coming days to meet with personnel from the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy, in a show of support for all branches of the armed forces. During his visit, Shehbaz said it is up to India to choose war or peace in relations with Pakistan. 'We are ready for war and peace. Choice is yours,' he said. Prime minister also warned India from stopping water flow after it held the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. 'If you stop our water, then it is the red line. Water is our right. The brave, valiant forces will fight for our right,' he said. The prime minister said the Kashmir issue should be resolved as per the United Nations resolutions and then talks will be held on trade. He said trade talks cannot be held in isolation but rather through a comprehensive dialogue. He said Pakistan has called for a complete and partial investigation into the Pahalgam attack and agreed to fully cooperate, but India responded by attacking in the dark of night and received a befitting reply. He concluded by saying that Pakistan's martyrs have always been a source of pride for the nation. 'The nation shall eternally remain indebted to them.' Also during the day, PM Shahbaz held a call with UN chief Antonio Guterres in which 'he expressed concerns over the continued provocative and inflammatory remarks by Indian leadership, as a threat to the fragile regional peace,' his office said in a statement. Pakistan's foreign ministry said that it rejected Indian Prime Ministers Narendra Modi's 'provocative and inflammatory assertions' and his 'propensity to fabricate misleading narratives to justify aggression.' 'Make no mistake, we will closely monitor India's actions and behaviour in this regard in the coming days. We also urge the international community to do the same,' it added in a statement. Earlier, Pakistan returned a captured border guard to India, in a fresh sign of detente after a ceasefire ended four days of conflict between the two neighbours. The guard was captured a day after an April attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people and sparked tit-for-tat missile, drone and fighter jet attacks. 'Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since 23 April 2025, was handed over to India,' India's Border Security Force said in a statement. The handover was 'conducted peacefully and in accordance with established protocols,' it added. 'I am very happy today,' Shaw's wife Rajani, who is pregnant, told reporters following the announcement. She had earlier told the Indian Express newspaper that before the ceasefire she had 'lost all hope.' Pakistan's army announced on Wednesday a new death toll from the fighting, saying India's 'unprovoked and reprehensible dastardly attacks' killed 40 civilians, half of them women and children. It also said 13 military service members had been killed during operations. India has said that 15 civilians and five soldiers died on its side. Agencies
