Nation marks 6th anniversary of 'Operation Swift Retort'

The 6th anniversary of "Operation Swift Retort" is being commemorated on Thursday to pay tribute to the valiant Armed Forces of Pakistan for demonstrating their resilience and resolve against Indian attempt to carry out a misadventure.

The air battle — which brought nuclear-armed India and Pakistan to the brink of war — was PAF's response to New Delhi's "Balakot Strikes", during which Indian military aircraft violated the Line of Control (LoC) from the Muzaffarabad sector and hastily withdrew after releasing a payload in an open area on February 26, 2019.

Subsequently, the next day Pakistan responded to India's provocation by sending PAF jets across the LoC which locked on to Indian military positions, then returned after issuing "warning" shots.

When India again sent fighter jets to chase the Pakistani jets down, the PAF launched a successful "surprise" attack, taking down two Indian fighter aircraft in an aerial dogfight. The pilot of one of the downed aircraft was arrested when he landed in Pakistani territory.

Identified as Wing Commander (Wg Cmdr) Abhinandan Varthaman — flying a Mig-21 aircraft — the IAF pilot was subsequently released as a gesture of goodwill.

The two pilots who brought down the Indian planes were conferred military awards with Wg Cmdr Noman Ali Khan bestowed with Sitara-e-Jur’at (Star of Valour) while Group Captain Faheem Ahmad Khan and Sq Ldr Hassan Mahmood Siddiqui were granted the Tamgha-e-Jur’at (Medal of Valour).

Operation Swift Retort was not only a resolute and measured response to India's unwarranted aggression but also effectively reaffirmed Pakistan's unyielding commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Paying a glowing tribute to the unwavering courage, professionalism and sacrifices of the country’s armed forces, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the services chiefs reiterated their steadfast commitment to ensuring Pakistan’s national security and stability while continuing efforts to foster regional peace.

"With unwavering resolve, Pakistan’s armed forces stand ready to defend the motherland while actively contributing to regional and global peace initiatives, in line with Pakistan’s enduring pursuit of stability and harmony," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The military's top brass also reaffirmed that the country's armed forces remain ever vigilant and fully prepared to counter any threat to the nation, upholding the trust and confidence reposed in them by the people of Pakistan.

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