ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday said that he believed in dialogue and diplomacy but it should not be taken as a sign of weakness.
The prime minister issued a message on the third anniversary of Operation Swift Retort when armed forces responded to an Indian misadventure and violation of territorial sovereignty.
“As we showed India on 27 Feb 2019, when it chose to attack us, our armed forces backed by the nation will respond to aggression and prevail at all levels,” he said, “We are resolute & unwavering in our commitment to the security of our country and our nation,” the prime minister maintained.
We are resolute & unwavering in our commitment to the security of our country and our nation.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 27, 2022
Pakistan has reiterated the resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad in a statement on the occasion of third anniversary of Pakistan’s exemplary response to India’s ill-conceived military airstrikes inside its territorial airspace.
The spokesman said Pakistan is a proponent for regional peace and stability but at the same time, its desire for peace is accompanied by strong resolve and capability for self-defence. He said 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.
He said botched attempt at infringing Pakistan’s sovereignty was swiftly riposted by our valiant armed forces. Not only did Pakistan resolutely safeguarded its sovereignty, but it also displayed utmost restraint, he added.
The spokesperson 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. He said 27th February also serves as a lesson for India that none of its militarism and war- mongering jingoism will go without a befitting response.
On this day three years ago, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shattered Indian dream of invincibility and military supremacy by shooting down two Indian aircraft and capturing an IAF pilot after a dogfight.
Indian fighter jets violated airspace and falsely claimed to have conducted a “surgical strike” in Balakot area of Pakistan and claimed to destroy a terrorist camp with 300-350 casualties in the attack.
After striking down the Indian fighter jet, Pakistan arrested the pilot, Abinandan, who ejected himself after being hit and exposing the country’s claims of invincibility and supremacy in the military power.
