3rd anniversary of ‘Operation Swift Retort’

ISLAMABAD   -  Prime Minister Imran Khan said Sunday that believing in conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy should never be taken as a sign of weakness.

On the occasion of third anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, PM Imran Khan tweeted, “We are resolute and unwavering in our commitment to the security of our country and our nation.” He said we showed India on 27 February 2019, when it chose to attack us, that our armed forces backed by the nation will respond to military aggression and prevail at all levels.

In a tweet on Sunday, DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar said achievements of PAF in shooting down two Indian fighter aircrafts, detection of Indian submarine at sea by Pakistan Navy and resounding response at Line of Control by Pak Army are testament to professionalism and determination of Pakistan Armed Forces for defence of motherland.

Today marks third anniversary of “Operation Swift Retort” when Pakistan Armed Forces gave a befitting response to Indian failed misadventure, he said. The DG ISPR said not just weapons or numbers but resolve of a nation and operational preparedness of Armed Forces defines success in face of adversity.

Pakistan yesterday reiterated its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.

“Today marks the third anniversary of Pakistan’s exemplary response to the India’s ill-conceived military airstrikes inside its territorial airspace,” the foreign ministry said.

India, in an utter violation of the United Nations Charter and International Law, violated Pakistani airspace on 26 February 2019 and conducted airstrikes inside Pakistani territory. The botched attempt at infringing Pakistan’s sovereignty was swiftly riposted by our valiant armed forces. Not only did Pakistan resolutely safeguard its sovereignty; it also displayed utmost restraint, it added.

“Again on February 27, 2019, two Indian aircraft transgressed the Pakistani airspace. These two aircraft were shot down by Pakistan Air Force jets. The captured pilot of one of the downed aircraft was later returned to India as a goodwill gesture,” the foreign ministry said.

Pakistan is a proponent for regional peace and stability. At the same time, our desire for peace is accompanied by strong resolve and capability for self-defence, it said.

“February 27 also serves as a lesson for India that none of its militarism and war-mongering jingoism will go without a befitting response. Besides, India must remain mindful of the consequences of its reckless conduct in February 2019 and refrain from any such misadventure in the future,” it said.

The government, Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan continue to stand firm in their resolve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any aggression, the ministry said.

It says whole Pakistan was while commemorating this day, “we underscore our commitment to peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. We also call upon the international community, including the United Nations, to hold India accountable for its gross and systematic human rights violations and crimes against humanity in IIOJK, without further delay.”