Youm-e-Tashakkur

The success of Operation Bunyan-e-Marsous had several key outcomes. First, it re-established strategic deterrence between the two countries.

By DTD- On May 26, 2025

M. Azhar Student of International Relations BS 8^th

Arfat Alam Student of International Relations BS 8^th

In early May 2025, South Asia was thrust into another wave of military and political tension following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir and brutally killed 26 civilians”tourist’s “. The attack, which claimed the lives of several Indian soldiers, was immediately attributed by Indian authorities to Pakistan-based militant groups. This incident not only rekindled historic animosities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors but also triggered a rapid series of military and diplomatic escalations that reaffirmed the volatility of the region.

India’s response was swift and aggressive. Labeling the Pahalgam incident as an act of cross-border terrorism, the Indian Air Force launched what it termed Operation Sindhoor (also known as Operation Swift Strike). This mission targeted what India alleged were terrorist training camps situated near the Pakistani border. The strikes were presented domestically as a display of strength and a reassertion of India’s commitment to national security and counter-terrorism.

This aggressive stance is not new. Over the past decade, India has increasingly adopted a more offensive posture toward Pakistan, justified primarily by a string of high-profile terrorist attacks including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the Uri incident in 2016, and the Pulwama bombing in 2019. Each of these attacks has been used as a basis for surgical strikes, cross-border shelling, and diplomatic offensives. The BJP-led government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has particularly leaned into a narrative of muscular nationalism, portraying Pakistan as a perennial threat to Indian security and using military actions to galvanize domestic political support.

The revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status, marked another flashpoint. Pakistan condemned the move as a violation of international law and an affront to the Kashmiri people. In contrast, India has framed any Pakistani concern over Kashmir as interference in its internal affairs. This difference in perspectives has not only hardened political positions on both sides but has also contributed to frequent skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC).

Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s response to Operation Sindhoor was both calculated and strategic. In a bid to defend its territorial sovereignty and deter further aggression, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-e-Marsous – a term derived from Quranic scripture, meaning “The Solid Structure.” Unlike traditional retaliatory strikes, this operation was marked by precision, discipline, and a deliberate avoidance of civilian casualties.

The goal was not escalation but deterrence: to send a clear message that while Pakistan does not seek conflict, it will respond decisively to any violation of its sovereignty. This approach earned Pakistan commendation from international observers for its restraint and professionalism. The Pakistan Air Force played a central role in the execution of the operation, showcasing advanced tactical capabilities and robust defensive planning.

The success of Operation Bunyan-e-Marsous had several key outcomes. First, it re-established strategic deterrence between the two countries. By demonstrating its ability to defend itself without provoking a wider conflict, Pakistan reinforced the credibility of its defense doctrine.

Second, the operation significantly boosted national morale. Across political and social divides, there was a unified expression of pride and gratitude toward the armed forces. This national sentiment led to the declaration of 16th May as Youm-e-Tashakkur – a day of gratitude to honor the sacrifices and professionalism of the military. The observance served not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a moment of national solidarity and reflection.

Third, the operation allowed Pakistan to strengthen its diplomatic narrative. For years, Pakistan has maintained that it is a victim of regional instability and has denied harboring militant groups targeting India. Operation Bunyan-e-Marsous, through its restraint and clarity, lent weight to Pakistan’s claims of responsible state behavior. It shifted some international scrutiny onto India’s aggressive posturing, especially among nations and organizations advocating for peace in South Asia.

Fourth, from a military standpoint, the operation reinforced Pakistan’s defense preparedness. The seamless coordination between different branches of the armed forces demonstrated operational maturity and technological readiness. It also served as a reminder that any future aggression would not go unanswered.

India, for its part, maintained its stance that it reserves the right to act against terrorism pre-emptively. Indian officials continued to emphasize their zero-tolerance approach to cross-border militancy and justified their actions as necessary for regional and national security. However, critics within India and abroad warned that such unilateral strikes risk escalation and could inadvertently lead to a larger conflict, especially given the nuclear capabilities of both states.

The broader geopolitical context also plays a significant role. As India strengthens ties with the United States and other Western allies through strategic partnerships like the Quad, it seeks to position itself as a regional counterweight to China and a bulwark of democratic values. In doing so, portraying Pakistan as a destabilizing actor aligns with its foreign policy objectives. Pakistan, on the other hand, has deepened its economic and military cooperation with China while also seeking to maintain balanced ties with the Gulf states and Russia.

The events related to Operation Bunyan-e-Marsous highlight an important reality: South Asia continues to be one of the most unstable areas globally, where errors in judgment or communication could lead to disastrous outcomes. India asserts that they are acting in self-defense but reality says that India acts as an offensive and show own supremacy , because India declared itself as a voice of South Asia.Targeting women, children and civilian populations can never be termed as self-defence. On the other hand, Pakistan’s controlled yet professional response deep rooted in the firm ideology of living in peace and surviving on equal footings has helped in curtailing this uncalled for adventurism by India and has saved not only the region but the world from the danger of a nuclear conflict. The lack of continuous dialogue, war madness, disrespect towards sovereignty of neighbouring countries and dependence on military signaling heighten the risk of unintended escalation.

As 16th May continues to be observed as Youm-e-Tashakkur, it serves not only as a tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces but also as a reminder of the delicate balance that defines Indo-Pak relations. It is a call for vigilance, unity, and above all, peace through strength. Whether this balance can be maintained will depend not just on military readiness but also on political wisdom, regional diplomacy, and the shared desire of both nations to prevent war and preserve stability.