Operation Swift Retort: Military pays tribute to nation's 'resilience' on 4th anniversary

On Feb 27, 2019, airstrikes by the Pakistani Air Force shot down two Indian planes that had crossed the LOC

Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Monday paid tribute to the "resilience" of the nation and "resolve" of the armed forces on the fourth anniversary of Operation Swift Retort.

On February 27, 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had shot down two Indian planes that had violated Pakistani airspace. One of the Indian pilots was captured by Pakistan but was later released as a gesture of peace.

The airstrikes were part of the PAF military operation codenamed Operation Swift Retort and were conducted in retaliation. 

Read CM Buzdar recalls PAF pilots’ triumph

The DG ISPR shared a message on behalf of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, services chiefs and the country's armed forces.

In a series of tweets, he said that they pay tribute to the nation's resilience as well as the resolve of the armed forces, displayed during the operation.

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

"Under the pretext of false flag Pulwama attack, India stage managed a cowardly attack on a fictitious target," he tweeted.

Major General Chaudhry commended the "daring, resolute and measured response from Pakistan" that thwarted the Indian "nefarious designs".

The daring, resolute & measured response from Pakistan thwarted Indian nefarious designs. Let this day be a reminder that while being a peace-loving nation, Pak AFs are ever ready, not only to defend every inch of motherland, 2/3

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) February 27, 2023

The DG said that this day is 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 aggression is imposed on us".

"Any delusion resulting into a misadventure will always be met with the full might of the Pakistan armed forces, backed by a resilient nation. Pakistan Zindabad," he added.

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