Sustainable peace in South Asia can be achieved through 'meaningful dialogue': Pak Army

Pakistan believes that sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law, the army said on Saturday. In a statement on Saturday night, marking the first anniversary of 'Marka-e-Haq', the name given by Islamabad to last year's four-day conflict with India, the army also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to ''safeguarding its sovereignty and promoting peace and stability in the region.'' In response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, carrying out airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating at least 100 terrorists. The action triggered a rapid escalation in tensions, with Pakistan launching retaliatory strikes, though most of them were thwarted by the Indian military. The hostilities ended with an understanding on halting the military actions on May 10 following talks over the hotline between army officials of the two sides. ''Pakistan believes that sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law and principles of justice,'' the army said in the statement. It also said that in the aftermath of last year's conflict, Pakistan has ''further enhanced its defensive capabilities and reinforced full-spectrum deterrence despite resource asymmetries.'' ''With the unwavering support of a resilient and united nation, the Armed Forces remain capable, vigilant, and fully prepared to confront all internal and external challenges, ensuring the security, stability and territorial integrity of Pakistan,'' it added. A special ceremony is also expected on Sunday, where all service chiefs are likely to be present.

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