By Asghar Ali Mubarak
As 2025 draws to a close, Pakistan finds itself reflecting on a year that will be remembered as a defining chapter in its history. The nation has expressed profound gratitude to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his exceptional leadership during Operation Bunyan Al-Marsoos, a military response that not only safeguarded Pakistan’s sovereignty but also reaffirmed its standing as a formidable regional power. The operation, which unfolded against a backdrop of unprovoked aggression, has left an indelible mark on the national psyche, illustrating both the courage of the armed forces and the resilience of the Pakistani people.
The events that led to Operation Bunyan Al-Marsoos began on the night of May 6–7, when Indian forces, continuing a long history of aggressive posturing, launched attacks targeting multiple areas in Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir. These strikes were not mere skirmishes along the border; they represented a deliberate attempt to undermine Pakistan’s territorial integrity and disrupt civilian life. Innocent lives were tragically lost, including 40 civilians, among them seven women and fifteen children, and over a hundred others were injured. This blatant assault called for a measured but decisive response.
Pakistan’s response was both strategic and overwhelming. On May 9, under the direct guidance of Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, now promoted to Field Marshal, the armed forces launched a coordinated counter-offensive named Operation Bunyan Al-Marsoos. At dawn, Pakistan deployed the Fateh-1 missile, an indigenously developed surface-to-surface weapon capable of striking targets up to 140 kilometers away. This was complemented by the Fateh-2 missile, with a range of 400 kilometers, demonstrating precision and strategic depth. The operation, whose name translates from the Quranic verse as “a wall of lead,” symbolized both resilience and unity in the face of adversity, capturing the ethos of courage and steadfastness that has long been associated with Pakistan’s military history.
The military operation exacted a heavy toll on the Indian forces while ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty remained uncompromised. Reports indicated that Pakistan shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including Rafales, MiG-29s, and Su-30 MKIs, alongside numerous drones, some equipped with advanced Israeli technology. Within days, the strategic and psychological impact of the operation was evident. Pakistan had not only defended its territory but had also sent a clear message about its military discipline and operational capability. Eleven soldiers sacrificed their lives in the defence of the nation, and dozens more were wounded, their courage underscoring the enduring spirit of service and patriotism.
Field Marshal Munir’s leadership extended beyond the battlefield. His strategic acumen ensured coordination among the army, air force, and navy, while maintaining a disciplined approach that minimized civilian casualties. His vision of a modernized, streamlined, and technologically advanced military was realized under immense pressure, solidifying Pakistan’s position as a credible regional power. Recognizing his pivotal role, the government promoted him to Field Marshal, the highest rank in the army, cementing his legacy as a leader whose decisions shaped the course of the nation during its hour of need.
Operation Bunyan Al-Marsoos also had profound diplomatic and geopolitical consequences. Analysts in Washington and London, including Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt and Edward Luce, noted a marked shift in Pakistan’s perception in global strategic circles. Decades of viewing Pakistan as a limited security actor had been overturned. The United States, long associated with an “India-first” policy in South Asia, reassessed Islamabad’s importance following Pakistan’s disciplined and decisive military response in May. Quiet cooperation, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism initiatives had already laid the groundwork for renewed trust, but the military confrontation accelerated recognition of Pakistan’s strategic value.
The successful operation also reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as a stabilizing actor in broader regional affairs. Beyond the immediate conflict, the country’s military reforms, strategic foresight, and coordinated response demonstrated a level of professionalism that commanded international respect. From South Asia to the Middle East, Pakistan emerged as a significant player capable of influencing outcomes in complex geopolitical scenarios, whether through diplomatic engagement, peacekeeping, or strategic deterrence. Within Pakistan, the events of 2025 have sparked a renewed sense of unity and national pride.
The sacrifices of soldiers and civilians alike are commemorated as symbols of collective resilience. The Field Marshal, in his address to the Ulema Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad in December, spoke of the nation’s enduring values, the sanctity of knowledge, and the responsibility bestowed upon Pakistan as the custodian of the two holy mosques. His words resonated deeply, linking faith, governance, and patriotism in a vision of national identity grounded in both principle and purpose.
(The writer is a senior journalist covering various beats, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
