ISLAMABAD: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan on Saturday cautioned that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be misunderstood as the nation marked the second anniversary of ‘Operation Swift Retort’ — conducted on February 27, 2019 — which resulted in the downing of two Indian planes that had violated Pakistani airspace.
Addressing a ceremony at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad, the PAF chief termed February 27 as a significant day not just for the Pakistan Air Force but for the whole of Pakistan, saying on that day “PAF once again upheld its glorious legacy and deterred the aggressor who gravely miscalculated and challenged our sovereignty.”
The ceremony started with a flypast of the air force’s fighter planes.
The air chief said Pakistan had responded to the violation of the Line of Control (LoC) by Indian planes in a manner that “made our nation proud”, adding that the country’s air force “proved equal to the Quaid’s vision of being second to none and established our supremacy in the air”.
“I appreciate all personnel of Pakistan Air Force for their professionalism, valour [and] commitment displayed in Operation Swift Retort.”
He iterated that Pakistan was a responsible and peace-loving country and its efforts for international peace, especially in Afghanistan, the Middle East and in UN peacekeeping missions were being acknowledged by the international community.
One such manifestation of peace was witnessed by the world through the unconditional return of captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman by the government of Pakistan, he added.
“However, let me make it very clear that our desire for peace should not be misunderstood. In case of any misadventure, our response would be swift, resolute and unwavering.”
He appreciated the force for “remaining proactive in maintaining peace and deterring aggression despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic”, saying the air force was committed to increasing its potential for the defence of the country.
He also expressed support for Kashmiris, stressing that “it is time to bring an end to the atrocities and longest lockdown of more than 1.5 years”.
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