PAF Jets Dazzle Twin Cities Ahead of Marka-i-Haq Anniversary
Pakistan Air Force fighter jets captured public attention over Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday as they carried out rehearsals for a national ceremony linked to the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq. The display took place over the twin cities, with aircraft seen flying above key landmarks including the Pakistan Monument area in the federal capital.
The rehearsal formed part of preparations for an official commemoration scheduled for Sunday at the National Monument near Islamabad’s Zero Point. The event is expected to mark one year since Pakistan’s military response during last year’s confrontation with India, a conflict now formally remembered by the state as Marka-i-Haq.
Residents reported a striking evening atmosphere as the aircraft moved across the sky and the event venue briefly came alive with laser lighting. The rehearsal gave the capital region a preview of the planned ceremony, which is expected to draw senior civilian and military leadership.
Officials linked to the arrangements said the ceremony would highlight the armed forces’ role during last year’s military escalation with India. Separately, the Pakistan Airports Authority issued a notice to airmen advising that flight activity at Islamabad International Airport may face temporary delays during the rehearsal and ceremony window because of operational requirements.
According to the airport notice, arrivals and departures could be affected between 8pm and 9:15pm on Saturday and Sunday. Airlines were also advised that aircraft arriving in Islamabad should carry enough holding fuel in case traffic management measures cause delays.
The commemoration comes at a politically and symbolically important moment for Pakistan, as government and military institutions continue to frame Marka-i-Haq as a demonstration of national unity, military preparedness and strategic restraint. The anniversary is likely to feature messages focused on defence capability, regional stability and the country’s response to security challenges.
Marka-i-Haq refers to the chain of events that followed last year’s military tensions between Pakistan and India, beginning after the Pahalgam attack and ending with a ceasefire in May. Pakistan has since used the anniversary to emphasise its position that it responded firmly while avoiding wider escalation.
For the public, the aerial rehearsal carried both ceremonial and practical significance. While the visual display created a patriotic spectacle in the capital, the airport advisory also signalled that travellers may need to prepare for possible schedule changes during the weekend.
The ceremony on Sunday is now expected to serve as the main national platform for official statements on the anniversary. Security, airspace coordination and event management will remain in focus as authorities complete preparations for the gathering at one of Islamabad’s most prominent public landmarks.