ISLAMABAD – February 27 (ONLINE): Remembering the ‘Operation Swift Retort’ on its third anniversary, Pakistan on Sunday expressed resolve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any aggression.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said Sunday country’s armed forces, backed by nation, would respond to any military aggression in a befitting manner.
In a twitter statement Sunday, the premier reiterated resolve and unwavering commitment to the security of country and nation.
“We are resolute and unwavering in our commitment to the security of our country and our nation” he wrote on twitter, while marking the third anniversary of Pakistan’s exemplary response to India’s ill-conceived and botched military airstrike inside its territorial airspace on February 27, 2019.
“I have always believed in conflict resolution through dialogue & diplomacy. 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 mly aggression and prevail at all levels.” Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote in his statement.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the nation is united and ready to give a befitting response to any aggression.
In his video message on the occasion of third anniversary of ‘Operation Swift Retort’, the Foreign Minister lauded the armed forces for achieving success against terrorism and securing the future of every child of the country. “Double standards of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government have been exposed to the world” he added.
Foreign minister Qureshi, in a veiled reference to recent voting in the United Nations Security Council over Russia-Ukraine conflict, said the double standards of Modi’s government had been exposed to the world.
On one hand, it was declaring itself to be a part of the QUAD, and claimed a net security provider, but on the other hand, when a resolution was tabled, it abstained, he said, adding India called upon the West to support it viz e viz China, but when the time arrived, it gave mixed signals to those with whom it touted to have firm ties.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said in a written statement “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,”
“27 February 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 spokesperson said.
India, in utter violation of the United Nations Charter and International Law, violated Pakistani airspace on February 26, 2019.
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, it was added.
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.
Follow the PNI Facebook page for the latest news and updates.
