Pakistan Marks 'Youm-e-Tashakur' — Day of Gratitude for Armed Forces; Ceasefire Holds at Day 371

Pakistan officially observed 'Youm-e-Tashakur' (Day of Gratitude) on May 16, 2026 — a national day designated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to honour the armed forces for their role in Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos (the Pakistani name for the May 2025 military exchange with India). The commemoration included a 31-gun salute in Islamabad, 21-gun salutes in all four provincial capitals, change-of-guard ceremonies at Quaid-e-Azam's mausoleum and other national mausoleums, and flag-hoisting events across Pakistan and at Pakistani embassies and high commissions worldwide (including London and Lisbon). The government confirmed no public holiday was declared, as the observance was framed as solemn commemoration rather than celebration. Events were broadcast live on Pakistani state media. The observance drew a muted but critical response from Indian commentators who characterized the Pakistani narrative framing as military triumphalism incompatible with ceasefire norms. The ceasefire brokered May 10, 2025 reached Day 371 with no Line of Control incidents reported on May 16. The bilateral freeze remains total: mutual airspace closure in force through May 24, Indus Waters Treaty suspended, no ambassadors exchanged, all formal trade halted.