By Imran Nasir

ISLAMABAD (TSAT) - Pakistan on Sunday marked the third anniversary of its victory against Indian air force when the Pakistan Air Force shot downed two Indian fighter jets in 2019. 

 “Today marks 3rd anniversary of “Op Swift Retort” when Pakistan Armed Forces gave a befitting response to Indian failed misadventure,” said the Pakistan military spokesman in a statement, posted on Twitter.

“Achievements of PAF in shooting down 2 Indian fighter ac, detection of Indian submarine at sea by Pak Navy & resounding response at LOC by Pak Army are testament to professionalism & determination of Pakistan Armed Forces for defence of motherland. Not just weapons or numbers but resolve of a nation & operational preparedness of Armed Forces defines success in face of adversity” said the military.

A special song and documentary also released by the ISPR, media wing of Pakistan army,  showed the story of Feb. 27 when they shot downed Indian jets and also the preparedness of armed forces to defend countries borders. 

 Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he always believed in conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, however his country peace loving gesture should not be taken as their weakness. 

“I have always believed in conflict resolution through dialogue & diplomacy. That should never be taken as a sign of weakness. As we showed India on 27Feb2019, when it chose to attack us, our armed forces backed by the nation will respond to mly aggression & prevail at all levels,” Khan tweeted.

He added that his armed forces would always ready to its commitment to the security of the country and Pakistani nation. 

Pakistan Foreign Ministry called the Indian aggression in 2019 was violation of the international laws and reiterated its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs

“Today, marks the third anniversary of Pakistan’s exemplary response to India’s ill-conceived military airstrikes inside its territorial airspace” said the Foreign Ministry in a statement. 

On Feb. 26, 2019, the Indian Air Forces violated Pakistan air space and bombed hilly area of Balakot, an area in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, destroyed several tress in the forest. 

On next day, Feb. 27, Indian fighter jets again entered in Pakistan air space that faced tough response and two of Indian Air Force jet shot downed and pilot captured. 

According to Pakistani officials, one fighter jet downed in Azad Kashmir while the second one wreckages found in Indian side of Kashmir.

Pakistan army also arrested a pilot Abhinandan who was later retired 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,” said the ministry. 

“27 February also serves as a lesson for India that none of its militarism and war- mongering jingoism will go without a befitting response. Besides, India must remain mindful of the consequences of its reckless conduct in February 2019 and refrain from any such misadventure in the future.”

The ministry vowed that the government and its Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan will continue to stand firm in their resolve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any aggression.

“While we are commemorating this day, we underscore our commitment to peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. We also call 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,” its said.