ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan desires peace with all countries, but at the same time it is also “mindful” of the “duty to defend the country”.
Taking to Twitter, as the nation celebrated the fourth anniversary of ‘Operation Swift Retort’, the prime minister said: “Today the nation pays rich tribute to PAF for a befitting response to the Indian violation of Pakistan’s air space on the pretext of false flag Pulwama attack. While we aim for peace with all, we are mindful of our duty to defend the country. Let no one make any mistake about it.”
Today the nation pays rich tribute to PAF for a befitting response to the Indian violation of Pakistan's air space on the pretext of false flag Pulwama attack. While we aim for peace with all, we are mindful of our duty to defend the country. Let no one make any mistake about it.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 27, 2023
The day marked the fourth anniversary to pay tribute to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for downing two Indian fighter jets for violating the country’s airspace on February 27, 2019. One of the Indian pilots was captured but was later handed over to New Delhi as a gesture of peace.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that Pakistan is all prepared to take the fight to the adversary’s territory, if ever, aggression is imposed on the country.
In a statement, the military spokesperson said that the top leadership of the armed forces pays tribute to the nation for its resilience and the people who took part in the operation against India.
CJCSC, Services Chiefs & AFs of Pak pay tribute to the resilience of nation & resolve of AFs displayed during Operation Swift Retort. Under the pretext of false flag Pulwama attack, India stage managed a cowardly attack on a fictitious target. 1/3
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) February 27, 2023
DG ISPR said: “CJCSC [Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee], services chiefs, and the armed forces of Pakistan pay tribute to the resilience of the nation and the resolve of the armed forces displayed during Operation Swift Retort. Under the pretext of false flag Pulwama attack, India stage managed a cowardly attack on a fictitious target.”
but to take the fight back to the enemy, if ever, aggression is imposed on us. Any delusion resulting into a misadventure will always be met with full might of Pak AFs backed by a resilient nation. Pakistan Zindabad. 3/3
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) February 27, 2023
Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also stated that the daring, resolute and measured response from Pakistan thwarted Indian nefarious designs, adding, “Let this day be a reminder that while being a peace-loving nation, Pakistan’s Armed Forces are ever ready not only to defend every inch of the motherland but to take the fight back to the enemy, if ever, aggression is imposed on us.”
He added: “Any delusion resulting into a misadventure will always be met with the full might of Pakistan’s Armed Forces backed by a resilient nation. Pakistan Zindabad.”
Former prime minister Imran Khan tweeted: “27 Feb 2019 our govt ordered response to Indian air strike on Balakot with PAF air strikes on Indian mly targets in IIOJK & the PAF downed an IAF plane over Pak air space capturing the pilot. We were successful in choosing a limited mly response signalling a clear msg to India.”
27 Feb 2019 our govt ordered response to Indian air strike on Balakot with PAF air strikes on Indian mly targets in IIOJK & the PAF downed an IAF plane over Pak air space capturing the pilot. We were successful in choosing a limited mly response signalling a clear msg to India.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 27, 2023
Meanwhile, Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani said Pakistan was a peace-loving country and wanted to resolve all disputes through peaceful means.
In a message to the nation and international community on the occasion of the anniversary of operation ‘Swift Retort’, he said Pakistan was fully capable of defending itself and would not hesitate to respond to any aggression against its sovereignty. He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to strive for peace and stability in the region.
“We hope that all nations will work together to promote peace and security in the world,” he said, adding, “We appreciate the bravery and courage displayed by the Pakistan Armed Forces during Operation Swift Retort and their continued dedication towards safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty. We salute the sacrifices of our soldiers and their families who have stood firm against all odds in defending our country. The Pakistan Armed Forces remain the pride of our nation and a symbol of our strength and resilience.”
