Pakistan marks the 4th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort

Pakistan marks the 4th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort on Monday, Feb 27.

On the same day in 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down two Indian planes that had violated Pakistani airspace.

One of the Indian pilots was captured by Pakistan however, was later handed over as a gesture of peace.

Abhinandan Varthaman VrC, an Indian Air Force fighter pilot was held captive in Pakistan for 60 hours after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight by PAF.

Marking the day, in a message to the nation, PM Shehbaz affirmed the duty to defend the country.

“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,” PM Shehbaz Sharif said.

PTI chairman Imran Khan, who held the office of prime minister when the operation was conducted, in a message said that his government’s decision to choose a “limited military response” had signalled a “clear message to India”.

“27 Feb 2019 our govt ordered a response to an 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,” former prime minister said.

On the other hand, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Ahmed Sharif on the 4th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, said that today was a reminder that the Pakistani forces were ready to defend “every inch of the motherland” if aggression was ever imposed on it.

“CJCSC (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee), services chiefs and air forces of Pakistan pay tribute to the resilience of the nation and resolve of air forces displayed during Operation Swift Retort,” he said.

The DG ISPR added that the “daring, resolute and measured response from Pakistan thwarted Indian nefarious designs” after “India stage managed a cowardly attack on a fictitious target”.

“Let this day be a reminder that while being a peace-loving nation, Pakistan air 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.

“Any delusion resulting into a misadventure will always be met with the full might of Pakistan air forces backed by a resilient nation,” he vowed.

Meanwhile, netizens celebrate the day with various post on Twitter timeline claiming it to be the biggest Tea Party Day.

Pakistan each year celebrate Operation Swift Retort Day to pay tribute to the valiant heroes who successfully defended the motherland and shot down Indian air force jets in Feb 2019.

27 Feb 2019 Pakistan government ordered to responsd to Indian air strike on Balakot with PAF air strikes on Indian mly targets in IIOJK & the PAF downed an IAF plane intruding over Pakistan air space and captured the pilot.

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) downed two Indian air force (IAF) jets for violating airspace. Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan, whose MiG-21 plane was also downed in an aerial encounter over Azad Jammu Kashmir, during an aerial battle, was taken into custody.

However, he was released later in a goodwill gesture.