ISPR releases new song to commemorate sixth anniversary of Operation Swift Retort

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s military, has released a patriotic anthem titled Dushmanna Sunn to commemorate six years since Operation Swift Retort, a key moment in Pakistan’s defence history.

The operation, conducted on 27 February 2019, saw the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shoot down two Indian fighter jets after they violated Pakistani airspace.

One of the pilots, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was captured and later released by Pakistan as a goodwill gesture.

According to an ISPR statement, the song reflects the unwavering commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces to defend the country’s sovereignty.

“The events of 27 February stand as a testament to the professionalism of the military and the resilience of the nation,” it said.

The anthem’s lyrics were written by Ahmed Azeem, while Kamran Allah Khan composed and performed the song.

ISPR described the release as a “roar against any adversary” and a reminder that Pakistan would respond decisively to any aggression.

Operation Swift Retort remains a defining moment in Pakistan’s military history, often cited as an example of the country’s preparedness against external threats.

The anniversary serves as a reaffirmation of its defence policies and strategic deterrence.

On 27 February 2019, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically following a series of aerial engagements over the disputed region of Kashmir.

The Pakistani Air Force (PAF) claimed it conducted airstrikes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), resulting in the downing of an Indian aircraft and the capture of its pilot.

This confrontation occurred a day after Indian jets entered Pakistani airspace, targeting what they alleged as a militant camp. These incidents marked a significant escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Later in 2019, on August 5, the Indian government took a decisive step by revoking the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which had been granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

This move effectively abrogated the region's autonomy, leading to its reorganisation into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The decision was accompanied by a communication blackout and increased military presence to preempt potential unrest.

To this day, Pakistan condemns India's unilateral actions in IIOJK and calls for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute through a plebiscite and UN Security Council resolutions.