Pakistan reiterates resolve to safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity

Pakistan on Sunday has reiterated its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs as it marks the third anniversary of the armed forces’ exemplary response to India’s ill-conceived military airstrikes inside its territorial airspace.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement, India, in utter violation of the United Nations charter and international law, violated Pakistani airspace on February 26, 2019, and conducted airstrikes inside Pakistani territory.

"The botched attempt at infringing Pakistan’s sovereignty was swiftly riposted by Pakistan’s armed forces," the statement said, adding that not only did Pakistan resolutely safeguard its sovereignty, it also displayed utmost restraint.

On February 27, 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had launched Operation Swift Retort in broad daylight, in response to the violation of its airspace by Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets in the dark of night on February 26.

Two Indian fighter jets a MiG-21 Bison and a SU-30 were shot down by the PAF during the operation. The captured pilot of one of the downed aircraft was later returned to India as a goodwill gesture.

“Pakistan is a proponent for regional peace and stability. At the same time, our desire for peace is accompanied by strong resolve and capability for self-defence,” the ministry maintained.

It further stated that February 27 also served as a lesson for India that “none of its militarism and war-mongering jingoism would go without a befitting response."

Read COAS Gen Qamar, Uzbekistan ambassador discuss bilateral cooperation

The ministry emphasised that India must remain mindful of the consequences of its reckless conduct in February 2019 and “refrain from any such misadventure in the future”.

“The government, armed forces and the people of Pakistan continue to stand firm in their resolve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any aggression," it reiterated.

The ministry further underscored Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

The communique called upon the international community, including the United Nations, to hold “India accountable for its gross and systematic human rights violations and crimes against humanity in IIOJK”, without further delay.

"Professionalism & determination" to protect Pakistan

The director-general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on the occasion highlighted the Pakistan armed force’s achievements in the operation, which included shooting down two Indian fighter jets, the navy detecting an Indian submarine at sea and a “resounding response” at the line of control.

In a tweet, the DG ISPR said: "Today marks the third anniversary of 'Op[eration] Swift Retort' when Pakistan armed forces gave a befitting response to Indian failed misadventure."

He maintained that the Pakistan army’s response was a “testament to [the] professionalism and determination” of the armed forces for defending the “motherland”.

Read more One 'terrorist' killed, arms recovered in Spinwam IBO

“Not just weapons or numbers but the resolve of a nation and operational preparedness of [the] armed forces define success in face of adversity,” he stated.