PAF ready to 'thwart any misadventure by the enemy', says air chief

Published February 24, 2019
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan addresses the combat crew during his visit to a Foward Operating Airbase of PAF on Sunday. — Photo courtesy: Pakistan Air Force
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan addresses the combat crew during his visit to a Foward Operating Airbase of PAF on Sunday. — Photo courtesy: Pakistan Air Force

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan on Sunday said the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) would "thwart any misadventure by the enemy" and was ready to respond to any incursion with full force as per the aspirations of the nation, according to a press release issued by the PAF spokesperson.

While visiting the Foward Operating Airbases of the air force, Air Chief Marshal Khan said Pakistan was a "peace-loving nation" but warned that "if the war is imposed on us, we would defend the aerial frontiers of our motherland at any cost."

The air chief's statement comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following an attack on Indian security forces in occupied Kashmir's Pulwama district.

While interacting with the combat crew, he stressed that the PAF and other defence forces were "ever ready to take on all kinds of challenges with operational preparedness and immaculate synergy".

As per the press release, he also expressed satisfaction over the operational preparedness of the bases and lauded the high morale of the combat crew.

At least 40 Indian paramilitary soldiers were killed in Pulwama on February 14 when a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden car into their convoy. According to media reports, Jaish-e-Muhammad claimed responsibility for the attack but New Delhi immediately blamed Islamabad and threatened a retaliatory attack. It also announced that it would launch a diplomatic offensive to isolate Pakistan in the international community. Moreover, India scrapped the Most Favoured Nation status granted to Pakistan and imposed a 200 per cent customs duty on its goods.

In response to India's allegations, Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to conduct an investigation if New Delhi provided “actionable evidence” but also warned that Pakistan will "retaliate" if attacked. On Friday, the Pakistan Army also warned India to avoid "any misadventure", as it could have dangerous consequences.

Army ready to defend motherland: COAS

Also on Sunday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa visited troops along the Working Boundary near Sialkot.

The army chief during his visit appreciated the state of high morale and readiness of the troops, according to a tweet by Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, the director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations.

"There isn’t anything more sacred than defending the motherland. I take pride in leading an Army which is ever ready to perform this duty," Gen Bajwa was quoted as saying.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.