February 27 marks the third anniversary of Pakistan’s exemplary response to India
Pakistan reiterates its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs on the third anniversary of a brief but intense conflict with India that involved the fighter jets of the two countries.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday his country’s preference for dialogue and diplomacy should not be viewed as a sign of weakness, adding that Pakistan’s security forces were capable of responding to any external aggression.
“I have always believed in conflict resolution through dialogue & diplomacy,” the prime minister wrote in a Twitter post. “That should never be taken as a sign of weakness. As we showed India on 27Feb2019, when it chose to attack us, our armed forces backed by the nation will respond to [military] aggression & prevail at all levels.”
“We are resolute and unwavering in our commitment to the security of our country and our nation,” he added.
On the third anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, “Pakistan Air Force renews its pledge to defend the Nation at all costs and to give a befitting response to any misadventure against our motherland” Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said in a statement. “Conduct of Offensive Strike missions as per strategic direction and shooting down of two IAF fighter aircraft without any PAF losses is testament to its discipline, professionalism and operational readiness.”
February 27 marks the third anniversary of Pakistan’s exemplary response to India’s ill-conceived military airstrikes inside its territorial airspace.
“India, in 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 safeguarded its sovereignty; it also displayed utmost restraint” the Foreign Office said.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.”