Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his Independence Day message, claimed that the recent four-day border flare-up with India and “Marka-e-Haq” by Islamabad was a historic victory for his country.
However, Indian defence officials and independent observers, on multiple occasions, dismissed the rhetoric as political posturing far removed from operational facts on the ground.
What is Operation Sindoor and Why did India launch against Pak?
Notably, Operation Sindoor was launched on the intervening night of May 6-7 to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. In retaliation, the Indian armed forces struck terror sites, including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Fact check: Shehbaz Sharif’s Independence Day Post
However, Sharif hailed Pakistan’s armed forces for “reviving their past glory” and “forcing the enemy to kneel down,” a statement that contradicts both Indian military briefings and satellite imagery showing that India retained control over all its positions during and after the clashes. In fact, media reports and satellite images shown Pakistani forces, which initiated the escalation, faced sustained countermeasures and eventually returned to pre-conflict positions.
“Pakistan’s historic victory in Marka-e-Haq during the four-day war imposed by India has not only reinforced the sanctity of our freedom, but has also instilled a renewed sense of ambition and national spirit in the hearts of our people, magnifying the pride and fervour of this Independence Day,” Sharif said in a post on X.
“With the blessings of Almighty Allah, our brave armed forces revived their past glory and shattered the false pride of the enemy by acting as a Bunyan-um-Marsoos – a solid fortified wall. The military capability, valour, and faith of our brave soldiers and air warriors forced the enemy to kneel down. We pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom and offer prayers for the elevation of their ranks in eternal life,” added Sharif.
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Operation Sindoor outshines Shehbaz Sharif’s message
While presenting the conflict as a validation of the Two-Nation Theory, the Pakistani Prime Minister overlooked the clear strategic advantage India demonstrated in the engagement – from rapid troop mobilisation to precision air surveillance. However, multiple media reports indicated that the Pakistani side had initiated hostilities but found itself under sustained pressure, forcing a return to pre-conflict positions.
“It was not merely a military conquest, but also the victory of the validation of a Two-Nation Theory, which is the foundation of our dear homeland. With same passion, we stand vigilant to defend and safeguard our national interests including water resources,” said Sharif.
Sharif also linked the recent conflict to broader ideological and nationalistic narratives, framing it as a moment of unity and defiance. In contrast, his remarks were aimed at rallying domestic support amid growing economic and political challenges at home.
“While expressing our resolve to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty, we as a peaceful nation, reiterate our belief in the principles of peaceful coexistence and resolving the regional and global issues through dialogue and diplomacy. India also needs to demonstrate the same will for the resolution of all disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” he said.
However, India, on multiple occasions, reiterated that it remains committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity while asking Pakistan to abandon “propaganda-fuelled rhetoric” and focus on resolving bilateral issues through verifiable actions, not speeches.