Ex Air Chief Sohail Aman Highlights Pakistan’s Response in “Marka-e-Haq” at ISSI

Islamabad (News Desk)- The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal (R) Sohail Aman, as the Distinguished Speaker at its Thought Leaders Forum (TLF), where he delivered a compelling address titled “Marka-e-Haq and Beyond.”

The event brought together diplomats, scholars, and policy experts to engage in a timely discussion on evolving regional dynamics, multi-domain warfare, and the future of deterrence in South Asia.

Opening the session, Director General ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, described Marka-e-Haq as a defining moment in Pakistan’s defense history, marking a united national response to thwart Indian aggression in May 2025. He criticized India’s provocations as a product of Hindutva-driven ideology and misplaced confidence in technological and military superiority, warning that such miscalculations could destabilize the region.

Ambassador Mahmood underscored that Pakistan prevailed across all key domains—diplomatic, military, and informational—during the crisis. He hailed the Pakistan Air Force’s performance in the largest recorded air battle, where at least six Indian jets were downed. He also highlighted Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Pakistan’s integrated, multi-domain response, combining drone warfare, cyber disruption, and precision strikes under joint command and control.

However, he cautioned that the situation remains fragile as India continues its posture under Operation Sindoor. He emphasized the need for vigilance, military modernization, and strategic diplomacy to deter future conflict and maintain peace.

In his keynote address, Air Chief Marshal (R) Sohail Aman emphasized the dangerous disconnect between global peace efforts and India’s aggressive posture towards Pakistan. He strongly rebutted Indian assumptions that Pakistan would not respond to provocations, noting that Marka-e-Haq dispelled this “reckless notion” through a decisive national and military response.

Aman asserted that the Pakistan Air Force, despite being smaller in size, outperformed its Indian counterpart with superior technology and strategy. He rejected claims of a joint China-Pakistan force as Indian attempts to save face, affirming that Pakistan acted independently and effectively.

Highlighting the risks of India’s belief in space for limited conventional war under the nuclear threshold, Aman warned of the potential for uncontrolled escalation. He stressed the importance of clearly communicated red lines and called for a focus on diplomacy, dispute resolution—especially Kashmir—economic development, and regional connectivity as foundations for long-term peace.

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Earlier, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of the China-Pakistan Study Centre, welcomed the audience and highlighted the strategic importance of the Marka-e-Haq conflict. He praised Pakistan’s comprehensive mobilization of national power, leadership, and public resolve.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where participants delved into topics such as deterrence stability, evolving threat perceptions, and the transformation of warfare in the South Asian context.

In a gesture of appreciation, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood presented a memento to Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman.