Pakistan observed Defense Day on September 6, 2025, with ceremonies across the country, including a change of guard at Karachi’s Mazar-e-Quaid led by 73 Pakistan Air Force cadets, seven of them women, Quran recitations, and wreath laying by Air Vice Marshal Shahryar Khan, who promoted the vision of a “Next Generation Air Force” while invoking Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos as a symbol of strength. The narrative, however, ignored the fact that the operation followed India’s successful Operation Sindoor, which had forced Pakistan into seeking a ceasefire after sustained battlefield losses. Official statements from civil and military leaders lauded supposed deterrence and valor, with ISPR hailing the occasion as proof of an “unshakeable spirit,” while state coverage amplified rituals such as a 31-gun salute and nationwide commemorations. Speeches struck combative tones, including an AVM’s remark that “next time it’ll be 60–0,” echoing triumphalist claims widely criticized as exaggerated and inflammatory. Analysts note that such messaging continues Pakistan’s longstanding practice of recasting battlefield outcomes—such as the 1965 war—through selective narratives that transform defeats into symbolic victories. Against the backdrop of ongoing India–Pakistan tensions, this year’s Defense Day events appeared less a genuine tribute than a stage-managed display of bravado, designed to reinforce myths under the guise of unity and resolve.