For the first time since their daring combat missions in May’s conflict with India, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots who downed six Indian fighter jets—including advanced Rafales—and neutralized the Russian-made S-400 air defense system appeared before the nation on Thursday. Their long-awaited public recognition came as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decorated them with gallantry awards during a solemn Independence Day ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. This year’s 79th Independence Day was officially designated as “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth) in honor of Pakistan’s resilience and unity.
Awards and Recognition
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a special tribute to Wing Commander Malik Rizwanul Haq, who received the Tamgha-e-Basalat for his pivotal role in eliminating the S-400 system during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. The Prime Minister invited him to stand beside him before a cheering audience, declaring, “He destroyed the S-400 system,” to thunderous applause.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), several PAF officers received the Sitara-e-Jurat for their valor in air combat. Honored pilots included Wing Commander Bilal Raza, Wing Commander Hammad Ibne Masood, Squadron Leader M. Yousaf Khan, Squadron Leader Muhammad Osama Ishfaq, Squadron Leader Muhammad Hassan Anees, Squadron Leader Talal Hassan, and Squadron Leader Fida Muhammad Khan. In total, eight Sitara-i-Jurat, 24 Sitara-i-Basalat, and 45 Tamgha-i-Basalat were conferred upon officers and personnel of Pakistan’s Armed Forces.
Escalation of the May Conflict
The latest confrontation between Pakistan and India was triggered on April 22 after an attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives. India hastily accused Pakistan, a claim firmly rejected by Islamabad. The next day, India resorted to hostile measures, suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty and cancelling visas.
Tensions peaked on May 7, when Indian missile strikes targeted six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), killing civilians and damaging mosques. Pakistan’s armed forces swiftly retaliated, downing multiple Indian warplanes. On May 10, when Indian strikes targeted Pakistani airbases, Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, striking Indian military installations, including missile depots and airbases, with precision.
International Confirmation and Recognition
Independent reports later substantiated Pakistan’s success. French Air Chief Gen. Jerome Bellanger confirmed evidence of at least three Indian aircraft losses, including a Rafale. A Reuters report, citing a senior US defense official, assessed with high confidence that Pakistani J-10 aircraft had downed at least two Indian fighters using China-made PL-15 long-range missiles. These advanced systems, with ranges exceeding 200 km, gave the PAF a decisive tactical advantage.
The confrontation eventually ended with a US-brokered ceasefire, announced by then-President Donald Trump after intense diplomatic engagement. Analysts noted that the crisis demonstrated Pakistan’s military preparedness and its ability to restore strategic balance in South Asia.
The recognition of PAF heroes during “Marka-i-Haq” symbolizes the nation’s deep gratitude and reaffirms the unwavering resolve of Pakistan’s Armed Forces to defend sovereignty, protect civilians, and stand as the ultimate shield of the state.
