Distinguished Individuals, Including a Field Marshal, Head of the Air Force, and Leader of the PPP Party, Receive National Recognition Awards
In the aftermath of the recent India-Pakistan conflict, which served as a significant backdrop to the 78th Independence Day celebrations of both nations, the situation remains tense but a ceasefire has been holding since May 10, 2025.
The escalation, which began with Indian missile strikes on Pakistan on May 7, 2025, resulted in a week-long exchange of missiles and air strikes, causing civilian casualties on both sides. The ceasefire was established after Pakistan requested it through military channels, according to the Indian Army DGMO and statements by both sides.
Pakistan responded to the unprovoked aggression by launching Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, during which they reportedly downed six Indian Air Force fighter jets, including three Rafales. However, specific details about Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in the context of the 2025 conflict or after the 78th Independence Day have not been publicly reported.
Diplomatic channels remain strained. Pakistan has expressed readiness for talks on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, without negotiating on a single-point agenda. India, on the other hand, has suspended diplomatic ties until terrorism is addressed. Following the conflict, India adopted a military doctrine that removes geographical limits on retaliatory strikes and rejects nuclear blackmail, signaling a harder stance.
The US played a mediating role to some extent in securing the ceasefire, but India has minimized the role of global powers in halting military operations. The deteriorating US-India relationship and great-power rivalries have complicated potential diplomatic resolutions and increased risks of future escalations.
In an unusual move, senior journalist Ansar Abbasi declined the Marka-e-Haq Award, stating in a letter to the Cabinet Secretary that the entire nation was deserving of the honor. Meanwhile, a parliamentary delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, including Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Bushra Anjum Butt, and Syed Faisal Subzwari, held significant meetings with high-ranking officials during their tour and played a key role in propagating and strengthening Pakistan's narrative and countering Indian propaganda.
The conflict also saw the recognition of military personnel's bravery. The president granted military awards to officers and soldiers of Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force for conspicuous courage and supreme sacrifice during Operation "Bunyan-Um-Marsoos". The PAF Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was also conferred with Hilal-e-Jurat at the ceremony.
A special investiture ceremony was held at the President House, where top civil and military leaders were awarded national awards. Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, was bestowed with Hilal-e-Jurat by President Asif Ali Zardari for his leadership during difficult times. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was also bestowed with Nishan-e-Imtiaz today.
Ansar Abbasi, who had played a significant role during the conflict, emphasized that he had not done anything extraordinary, stating that whatever he did was simply his duty.
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- In light of the recent India-Pakistan conflict, news outlets have been covering the ceasefire, military actions, diplomatic tension, and award ceremonies as part of the general news and political reporting.
- The ongoing news about the war-and-conflicts between India and Pakistan also involves discussions on the diplomatic strategies and negotiations, as well as the role of global powers, and domestic reactions such as the military awards and recognition of bravery in both nations.
