Pakistan’s defence is undefeatable: FM Qureshi

We will not allow our enemies to succeed in future as well, vows foreign minister

ISLAMABAD: Commemorating the armed forces’ February 27 heroics, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the world was a given a message that Pakistan’s defence is undefeatable.

Qureshi’s statement comes as the nation marks the first anniversary of the air battle that brought India and Pakistan on the brink of a nuclear war.

On the morning of February 27, the Pakistan Air Force launched Operation Swift Retort. A two-element PAF strike force approached the disputed border of Line of Control (LoC). The first element, made up of ground strike aircraft, lobbed precision munitions near Indian strategic targets.

As the Indian Air Force (IAF) reacted to the strikes, they were baited into a well-planned ambush which claimed two IAF fighter aircraft. The rest disengaged and fled deeper into Indian territory. In less than 24 hours, the PAF had planned and executed a major retaliatory strike following the IAF's botched Balakot attack.

 

“We will not allow our enemies to succeed in future as well,” said the foreign minister. “By downing Indian Air Force’s aircraft, we educated our enemy that our defence is better than theirs.”

FM Qureshi also reiterated the country's resolve to maintain peace in the region and said the release of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan proved the army was against aggression.

Our armed forces have the potential to confront every aggressive step the enemy takes, he added. “Every Pakistani citizen stands shoulder to shoulder against any possible aggression. We take pride in our armed forces who are prepared at all times.”