Pakistan rejects baseless Indian claims that a Pakistani F-16 aircraft was shot down by Indian pilot before in February 2019
Pakistan termed the gallantry award conferred on Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman — who was captured by Pakistan in 2019 after his jet was shot down by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) — a “classic case of Indian fabrication and pure fantasy” aimed at appeasing domestic audience.
In a statement issued a day after Abhinandan was given the Vir Chakra medal by the Indian President, the Foreign Office said “India has only made a mockery of itself” by giving such an award.
“The citation of the award to the downed Indian pilot is a classic case of Indian fabrications and pure fantasy to appease the domestic audience and hide the embarrassment,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Pakistan categorically rejected the baseless Indian claims that a Pakistani F-16 aircraft was shot down by an Indian pilot before he was captured by Pakistan in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in February 2019.
“International experts and U.S. officials have already confirmed that no Pakistani F-16 was shot down on the day, after taking stock of Pakistani F-16 aircraft.”
“It is obvious that India’s farcical story has no credibility whatsoever before the international community” the FO said.
India’s insistence on propagating a lie that has been thoroughly exposed is ludicrous and nonsensical and “Granting military honours for imaginary feats of gallantry is contrary to every norm of military conduct.”
In a daring daylight action, two Indian aircraft were shot down by Pakistan Air Force on 27 February 2019. One of the Indian Mig-21 Bison aircraft fell down in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The pilot who ejected was captured by Pakistan and later released as a goodwill gesture. His return to India was the testimony of Pakistan’s desire for peace despite India’s hostility and ill-conceived aggressive action.
Another Indian aircraft SU 30 shot down by Pakistan Air Force fell on the other side of LOC. On the same day, the Indian military shot down its own MI 17 helicopter in panic near Srinagar which India initially denied but later accepted. “Indian Air Force was completely outplayed on the day.”
“Pakistan stands as ready and resolute to thwart any hostile designs as it was in February 2019. India would do well to learn a lesson from its botched attempt to violate Pakistan’s sovereignty and refrain from any misadventure in future.”