Maarka-e-Haq reflects national muscle

HISTORY does not unfold as a mere sequence of events; it is shaped in defining moments when nations confront existential questions of identity, sovereignty and destiny. These moments transcend the ordinary, becoming epochs where conviction, power and ideas converge. Pakistan’s journey is marked by such phases: from the ideological struggle that led to its creation, to the unresolved Kashmir dispute, from the tragedy of Dhaka to the long war against terrorism and now the evolving challenges of hybrid warfare. These are not isolated events but interconnected chapters of a continuous struggle—a Maarka-e-Haq, a battle for truth. Colonel (Retd.) Ashfaq Hussain’s Maarka-e-Haq contributes to this discourse not merely as a record of events, but as an effort to interpret this continuum. It bridges past and present to offer insight into the future. Even its cover conveys meaning: a clenched fist set against Pakistan’s green crescent symbolizes unity, resilience and defiance—signaling a narrative rooted not only in conflict but in resolve. The intellectual foundation of the book is established through a verse from Surah As-Saff (61:4): “Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in ranks as though they are a solid structure.” This concept of Bunyān al-Marsūs—an unbreakable wall—serves as the central theme, emphasizing that true strength lies in disciplined unity rather than individual capacity. In an age marked by fragmentation, this message carries profound relevance. The launch of Maarka-e-Haq evolved into more than a literary event, drawing voices from military, academic and journalistic circles. Dr. Yousaf Alamgirian, Editor of Hilal, highlighted the transformation of warfare in the modern era, arguing that conflict now extends beyond physical battlefields into the realms of perception, information and narrative—a defining feature of 21st-century strategy. In a world shaped by digital media, cyber influence and psychological operations, controlling narratives has bec