Maarka-e-Haq picture-book launched at Pak-China Centre

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with ISPR, on Tuesday launched the picture-book “Maarka-e-Haq” (The Battle of Truth) at the Pakistan China Friendship Centre, depicting the visual narrative of Pakistan’s history, resilience, and defence milestones. Jointly produced by DEMP and ISPR, the book chronicles the nation’s journey from creation through subsequent conflicts, highlighting the challenges being overcome and key defence achievements. It particularly emphasizes Maarka-e-Haq, highlighting the resilience and unity, demonstrated by the Pakistani nation and its Armed Forces. During the event, a video review of the book was screened, showcasing highlights from all chapters.

The presentation traced Pakistan’s journey from independence to recent success of Maarka-e-Haq, emphasizing national achievements and resilience. Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Aamer Riaz, HI(M) (Retd) said the gathering was aimed to commemorate Pakistan’s achievements and reflect on milestones that have shaped its national journey. He termed the publication a “commendable and timely initiative” and appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and ISPR.

He noted that the book presents a comprehensive narrative of Pakistan’s history and suggested that its digital version should be made widely accessible for audiences within the country and abroad to better understand Pakistan’s perspective, particularly in the context of South Asia. Highlighting historical roots, Lt Gen (rtd) Riaz traced Pakistan’s ideological foundation to key events such as the 1857 War of Independence, the creation of the All-India Muslim League, and the vision of Allama Muhammad Iqbal for a separate homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent. He said this struggle culminated in the creation of Pakistan in 1947 after a prolonged political movement. He added that the partition of the Subcontinent led to unprecedented migration and violence and was one of the largest human displacements in modern history.

Despite severe economic and administrative challenges at its inception, Pakistan emerged as a stable and resilient state, he said. Lt Gen (rtd) Riaz also referred to the longstanding dispute over Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a core issue between Pakistan and India. He expressed concern over the rise of extremist ideologies in India, particularly the growing influence of organizations advocating Hindu supremacy, stating that such trends have impacted the country’s political and governance landscape over the past decade. He reiterated that Pakistan has consistently supported the Kashmir cause through political and diplomatic means. He also highlighted the Indian interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs, particularly in regions such as Balochistan. Concluding his remarks, Lt Gen (rtd) Aamir Riaz stressed, “It is not over yet.

We cannot take chances; we have to remain prepared.” Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Nafisa Shah said Pakistan has continued to play a significant role on major global platforms, citing the facilitation of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran as a notable diplomatic achievement. She said that during the 1980s, Pakistan stood as a front-line ally in global geopolitical contests, hosting millions of Afghan refugees and contributing to shaping the regional and global order. In the 1990s and beyond, she added, Pakistan again emerged as a front-line state in the war against terrorism, enduring immense sacrifices and suffering deep national wounds. She noted that Pakistan has endured immense sacrifices, particularly during the war against terrorism, and continues to demonstrate resilience.

Nafisa Shah said that the nation is now reflecting on a defining moment that has reshaped its collective consciousness, referring to Maarka-e-Haq, which she described as an enduring part of Pakistan’s national narrative. She said the launch of the book marks an important effort to preserve this memory, describing it as a work that weaves history and collective remembrance into a coherent narrative. “It is a journey that captures our bravery, strategic acumen, resilience, and diplomatic dignity through words and images,” she added. The MNA said India carried out an unprovoked attack on the night of May 6 and 7, describing it as a “cowardly act.” She added that Pakistan had consistently exercised restraint and pursued diplomatic channels to resolve disputes despite repeated provocations. She described incidents such as Pulwama and Pahalgam as “false flag operations,” added that they were used to justify unilateral actions, including the revocation of the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.

She emphasized that Pakistan’s response has been guided by restraint, responsibility, and diplomatic wisdom, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and promoting regional peace. Senator Palwasha Khan said the day marked a moment of pride for the nation, adding that Pakistan had not only responded effectively to external challenges but also exposed “false narratives” propagated against it. She said that under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and with the collective resolve of the Pakistani people, the country has demonstrated resilience and unity. Palwasha Khan criticized the concept of “Akhand Bharat,” calling it a historical misconception with no basis in reality.

She said such narratives have been used for political purposes and to promote division, adding that history does not support the existence of such an entity in the form being projected today. Speaking at the event, Muhammad Zarain Khan Magsi lauded the initiative, saying the publication serves as a valuable effort to document national history, strengthen collective resolve, and honor the sacrifices made for the country.

He said the occasion was not merely about celebrating a decisive moment but also about reflecting on the nation’s enduring strengths. The publication, he noted, highlights key qualities such as unwavering belief in purpose, patience in adversity, and the courage to confront challenges. He added that a careful reading of the book encourages self-reflection and reinforces the values that define Pakistan’s resilience and unity.

Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also addressed the ceremony. The event was attended by senior civil and military officials, including Secretary Information Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil, PEMRA Chairperson Ambreen Jan, Principal Information Officer Mubashir Hassan, and Parliamentary Secretary Daniyal Chaudhary. A video documentary produced by DEMP on Operation Bunyan al-Marsus was also screened, outlining major achievements and milestones and portraying Pakistan’s successes across multiple fronts.