Victory in Marka-i-Haq ‘elevated Pakistan’s global standing’

In separate engagements held to mark the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Atta Tarar acknowledged the role of the country’s armed forces, backed by the people, in defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Addressing ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar stressed that Pakistan’s response to India’s unprovoked aggression had reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence as enshrined in the UN Charter, and that regional peace could not be held hostage by the politics of hatred and division. The deputy prime minister said the events of last year had brought the region to the brink of disaster, alleging that India’s actions followed a pattern of escalation, including unsubstantiated allegations against Pakistan and inflammatory rhetoric. He also expressed concern over India’s unilateral decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, terming it a violation of established norms and a threat to regional stability. He warned that any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s share of water would be considered an act of war, as underlined by the National Security Committee last year, and pointed to “irregular fluctuations” in river flows, particularly in the Chenab River and Jhelum River, a