In May 2026, we celebrate one year of Pakistan’s victory over India’s aggression during Operation Sindoor in 2025. The time has come to do more than just remember as Pakistan commemorates the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq. It demands reflection. Not on that which was defended, but on that which must now be preserved. During the immediate post-conflict period, understandably, the language was determined. Uniting the people was sovereignty, deterrence, and national harmony. The troops were applauded for being prepared and showing self-restraint in the face of pressure, and the civilians united in a unique moment of collective intent. In the cities and villages, a familiar story had taken root: that Pakistan had risen to the occasion when provoked and that it had defended its honour.
A year on, the aftermath of a crisis that many seem to believe was both preventable and dangerously provocative continues to be felt in the region. To Pakistan, the incident, which is now remembered as Marka-e-Haq has come to symbolize standing up in times of need. To India, though, there are unresolved issues on whether the strategic wisdom and political motives of the actions taken in 2025 were wise. The core of the problem is not new but rather worrying; namely, a common, yet problematic, pattern: that of using military assertiveness as a means of signalling, which is often done at the cost of regional stability. The Indian officials introduced Operation Sindoor as a necessary response to the perceived threats. But something more calculated—an effort to redefine the relationship between deterrence and brinkmanship instead of dialogue was implied by the scale, timing, and nature of the operation.
Many argue that India demonstrated a tendency towards an increasing level of unilateralism in Indian policy towards the region. Rather than going through the normal diplomatic routes or other confidence-building processes, New Delhi chose to take the step of showing some force, which could lead to a larger conflict. Such decisions are not to be brushed off as common posturing in a nuclearized world, as in the case of South Asia. They have implications that go beyond the short-term tactical goals. Also, the human price of such a measure is not so much spoken of. The communities were the most affected by the escalation as civilians were displaced, economically shaken, and psychologically traumatized. It is not abstract cost but lived realities that do not dissipate. Through this escalating decision, India essentially exposed these people to harm, casting ethical doubts on the reasonableness and necessity of its action.
Further, the uncovering of a greater inconsistency in the international posture of India was revealed through Operation Sindoor. On the world stage, India often ranks as a responsible emerging power, promoting stability and compliance with international norms. However, its actions during the 2025 crisis seemed rather contrary to this image. Strategic restraint, often cited as an attribute of mature statecraft, but appeared particularly lacking. This contradiction did not go unnoticed. Analysts criticized India’s actions regarding what it claimed was in its interest for regional peace. Although the geopolitical factor usually restrains the mass media criticism, distrust remains. The credibility that comes after it is, once lost, difficult to recover.
The other aspect that needs to be investigated is the domestic political environment in which Operation Sindoor was carried out. Analysts have cited internal pressures, such as electoral considerations and nationalist sentiment, that may have influenced decision-making. Provided this is true, this puts worrying connotations. Using foreign war as a means of national self-enrichment is a risky form of policy, especially in a part of the world where a single wrong move can lead to disastrous consequences. Nevertheless, the call of criticism in this case is solely directed towards India, given its role in triggering a series of events which culminated in tensions at critical levels. Indian leadership requires greater judgment.
The strategic benefits of Operation Sindoor are, at best, vague a year later. Did it contribute to India’s security? Was it a preventive measure against future conflict? Or was it simply a way of furthering mistrust and continuing a vicious cycle of retaliation? There are some of the questions that the policymakers in New Delhi must face with sincerity. To Pakistan, it is time to reflect upon the anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, but it is also a time to be on the lookout. The lesson of 2025 is the value of preparedness, as well as the need for sustained diplomatic engagement. With the May 2025 episode, maintaining deterrence against India seems to bring peace; it will take a willingness to resolve underlying conflicts. India’s actions have reflected that they are never willing to opt for diplomatic channels when it comes to Pakistan. They always have been the troublemakers in South Asia, and the region needs to look out for their safety.
Finally, Operation Sindoor serves as a lesson. It demonstrates how strategic signalling can very easily degenerate into extremely dangerous escalation and how the costs of such decisions are not incurred by policymakers but by ordinary people. And the possible long-lasting moral of this episode is that it is hard to rely on the Indian diplomatic channels, as they declined Pakistan’s offer for investigation after the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan well defended its sovereignty with the efforts of its armed forces and will do the same in the future if India continues its aggression. South Asia is in the process of moving forward, so hopefully, this anniversary will not only bring back memories but also prompt a rethink. To India, especially, it is a chance to re-examine the course that its regional policy is taking. And to Pakistan, it will always be the victory Pakistanis are proud of.
Pakistan Zindabad.
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