Pakistan Mourns Martyrdom of Two More Soldiers Injured in Indian Aggression

Pakistan’s armed forces and nation are in mourning as two more valiant soldiers, Havildar Muhammad Naved Shahzad of the Pakistan Army and Senior Technician Muhammad Ayyaz of the Pakistan Air Force, succumbed to injuries sustained during India’s unprovoked aggression on the night of May 6-7, 2025. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed their martyrdom, raising the total number of military personnel martyred in the conflict to 13, with 78 others wounded. President Asif Ali Zardari paid heartfelt tributes, calling the martyrs a “national asset” whose sacrifices will never be forgotten.

According to the ISPR, Indian forces launched “cowardly and reprehensible” attacks targeting civilian areas, including mosques, in multiple locations across Pakistan, such as Sialkot, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. The assaults resulted in the martyrdom of 40 civilians, including 7 women and 15 children, and injured 121 others. In response, Pakistan’s armed forces mounted a resolute defense under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, codenamed Marka-e-Haq, delivering precise retaliatory strikes. The Pakistan Air Force downed five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and a drone, while ensuring no Indian aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, per ISPR statements.

Havildar Naved Shahzad and Senior Technician Ayyaz were among the brave defenders wounded while protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty. Despite medical efforts, both soldiers passed away in hospital, their sacrifices hailed as a testament to their courage and patriotism. “Their noble sacrifice is an enduring symbol of devotion and unwavering love for the motherland,” the ISPR stated, expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and praying for the recovery of the injured.

President Zardari, in a statement, expressed profound grief over the loss, honoring the martyrs’ service and sacrifice. “Havildar Muhammad Naved Shahzad and Senior Technician Muhammad Ayyaz are our pride. Their martyrdom strengthens our resolve to defend Pakistan,” he said, vowing that the nation will always remember their contributions. The president’s remarks echoed public sentiment on X, where users expressed anguish and pride. One post read, “Our martyrs like Naved and Ayyaz are the shield of Pakistan—India’s aggression will never break us”.

The conflict, sparked by India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, was justified by New Delhi as a response to a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. India claimed its strikes targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba camps, but Pakistan denied these allegations, asserting that civilian infrastructure, including the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, was deliberately hit in violation of international norms. A US-brokered ceasefire on May 10 remains fragile, with both sides reporting violations.

The ISPR reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a “swift, full-spectrum, and decisive response” to any future aggression, emphasizing that the nation’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness. Social media reactions on X underscored national unity, with users calling for justice. “13 martyrs and counting—India must answer for these war crimes,” one user posted. As Pakistan observes Youm-e-Marka-i-Haq on May 16 to honor the armed forces’ success in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the sacrifices of soldiers like Naved and Ayyaz continue to inspire resilience and determination.