In the face of escalating tensions and military aggression from India, Pakistan launched a bold and strategic military response named “Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos” on May 10, 2025.
Its name was inspired by the verse “Bunyan al-Marsoos” in Surah As-Saff (61: 4) of the Quranic literature thus read,
“إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُمْ بُنْيَانٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ”
“بیشک اللہ ان لوگوں کو پسند کرتا ہے جو اس کی راہ میں صف باندھ کر لڑتے ہیں، جیسے وہ ایک مضبوط دیوار کی طرح ہیں۔”
‘A strong and firm structure’. This military action was very deep in its Islamic tenets and values. That name represents unity, strength and tenacity, values that must be adhered to deeply in the Islamic ethos in the protection of country and people.
The Context of the Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos
The conflict between India and Pakistan had reached an explosive level because India started missile attacks against Pakistani military bases causing loss of civilian and military lives. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos, with the objective of defending its sovereignty and preserving peace in the region.
The name of the operation does not only indicate how Pakistan is willing to protect its land, but also echoes high Islamic values of justice and self defense.
Islamic Values in relation to Warfare
Warfare, according to the tenets of Islam, can only be waged as a last resort in defense of one’s life, faith and land and with moderation and in a spirit of equality. The Quran and Hadiths appeal to the importance of maintenance of peace but also state that the Muslims should oppose when peace requires one to fight.
Islam flatly prohibits the killing of innocent civilians, destruction of crops, harming non-combatants. The concept “Jihad” in Islam is a very confusing one, but it simply means standing firm with aggression, and protect religious issues from being harmed by one’s own country.
The Quran provides clear guidance on the principles of war:
“وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ”
“And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:190)
“اور اللہ کی راہ میں ان لوگوں سے لڑو جو تم سے لڑتے ہیں، اور زیادتی نہ کرو۔ بیشک اللہ زیادتی کرنے والوں کو پسند نہیں کرتا۔”
In this context, Pakistan’s response under Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos is in line with these teachings. The operation is meant to drive back the aggressor and restore peace, all as the activities are conducted in such a way that injustice or transgression is never committed.
The Strategic Importance of Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos
Pakistan’s military response under the banner of Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos was not only about retaliation but also about sending a message of unity, strength, and resilience. The vision of one rock-solid wall of unity in the verse of the Quran is as such echoed in Pakistan’s military forces that are coming together to build a strong shield from any external threats.
Also central to the Islamic worldview it also focuses on concept of “Tawheed” (Oneness of Allah ) and “Ummah” ( Muslim community). In Islam the defense is the collective responsibility and people and the military unity are of foremost priority for confronting any aggression outside.
This operation is portrayed as a gesture for Pakistan to stand firm for its sovereignty, its people, and what it is close to.
This unequivocal stand demonstrated by Pakistan against any attempt of disruptor to undermine the country’s peace and stability is in favor of the defense of Pakistan’s border as the military sees it, as dictated by Islamic teaching.
Ethical guidelines of Islamic warfare
Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos is conducted with a focus on ethical warfare, ensuring that the core principles of Islam are adhered to. In the Holy War I have mentioned above, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has outlined the rules of when to go to the war and how to conduct oneself while waging war. These rules include:
Avoidance of unnecessary harm: Combatants are prohibited from harming civilians, destroying crops, or killing animals unnecessarily.
Respect for treaties and agreements: Islam encourages upholding promises and treaties, and betrayal is considered a grave offense.
Mercy even in battle: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) urged his followers to show mercy even to those who oppose them, offering peace when the opportunity arises.
Pakistan’s response, under the leadership of Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos, adheres to these principles, ensuring that the operation is carried out with a focus on minimizing civilian casualties and maintaining a level of restraint even in the heat of conflict.
Pakistan’s Efforts Towards Peace in the midst of war
Bearing in mind the intensification of military action, Pakistan still wants a return to a peaceful situation. The country has persistently appealed for diplomatic actions and peace talks to solve the conflict and ensure that escalation of animosity is not triggered.
The leadership in Pakistan has insisted on a steadfast promise to secure its people and maintain the values of peace and justice in Islam.
Peace should be undertaken when it is possible to do so according to Islamic teachings, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“وَإِن جَنَحُوا لِلسَّلْمِ فَجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ”
“If they incline to peace, then incline to it also and trust in Allah.”
(Surah Al-Anfal, 8:61)
“اور اگر وہ صلح کی طرف مائل ہوں تو تم بھی اس کی طرف مائل ہو جاؤ اور اللہ پر توکل کرو، بیشک وہ سب کچھ سننے والا، جاننے والا ہے۔”
Pakistan’s efforts to defend its sovereignty through Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos, while maintaining a focus on peace, reflect the delicate balance that Islam advocates between war and peace, ensuring that the pursuit of peace remains the ultimate goal.
International Vision and Pakistan’s Position Advocacy
Pakistan’d restraint in this conflict has been recognized by international observers despite intense provocations. The United Nations and other world bodies have called for a dialogue and have been a little worried about the humanitarian effect of the war. Pakistan’s response, informed by Islamic principles, reflects a strong stand on justice and a reluctant attitude to build upon the tensions without reason.
Knowing its Islamic duty to defend its land and its people, Pakistan persists to be on its ground against aggression. The operation is a proof of strength, unity and resilience of Islam which enshrines, and it indicates that, the peace is the ultimate goal but self defense is a sacrosanct duty when faced with unjust aggression.
Conclusion: Pakistan’s History’s A Defining Moment
Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos is not just a military operation; it is Pakistan’s determination to protect its sovereignty and honor the Islamic culture and also bring peace to the region. Bastioned deeply on the Quranic values of justice, unity, self-defense, the operation is a great reinforcement of what is acceptable in during war times and the need to hold on to the external predators. Pakistan continues to guarantee its land in taking this operation to the end in pursuit of peace and justice as espoused in Islam.
