Islamabad, August 14, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced the formation of the Army Rocket Force Command to strengthen Pakistan’s conventional war capabilities, following the recent military conflict with India.
Addressing a special ceremony at Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Stadium marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day and Marka-i-Haq celebrations, the premier said the new force, equipped with modern technology, would be capable of striking the enemy “from every direction” and serve as a milestone in bolstering national defence.
The Marka-i-Haq refers to Pakistan’s swift military response to Indian aggression following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which ended in a ceasefire on May 10. Defence analyst and former general Talat Masood told AFP the move is part of a broader effort to enhance military capabilities after the conflict.
The event, attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir, senior ministers, military chiefs, and foreign diplomats, featured parades by all branches of the armed forces, participation from Turkish and Azerbaijani military personnel, and a PAF Falcons fly-past, culminating in fireworks at midnight.
PM Shehbaz hailed Pakistan’s “decisive victory within three to four days” of the conflict, crediting the leadership of COAS Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs Gen Sahir Shamshad, and PAF Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber for their coordinated response. He also unveiled the digital model of the Marka-i-Haq Monument.
Paying tribute to pioneers of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, and Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is “only for defence purposes.”
He also called on all political parties to join a proposed Misaq-i-Istehkam-i-Pakistan (Charter for Pakistan’s Stability) to demonstrate unity in the national interest.
