ISLAMABAD: The military on the fifth anniversary of Operation Swift Retort has underscored Pakistan’s desire for peaceful coexistence with neighbours while firmly stating its readiness to counter any aggression with full force.

“As a state committed to peace, we shall continue to emphasise the importance of peaceful coexistence with our neighbours. Any aggression against the people of Pakistan, our sovereignty and territorial integrity, will however be responded immediately, with full might and without any hesitation. Every single time,” ISPR said.

The aerial confrontations with India followed the 2019 Pulwama bombing, which escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations.

The ISPR statement commemorated ‘Oper­ation Swift Retort’ that Pakistan’s military launc­hed in response to the Indian Air Force’s strike in Balakot. The IAF operation, Delhi claimed, was in retaliation to the Pulwama attack on Feb 14, 2019, resulting in the death of 40 Indian soldiers.

Describing OSR as a “significant event in our history”, the ISPR asserted it was a response to “unwarranted aggression from India, motivated by political considerations and electoral concerns”.

On Feb 27, 2019 Pakistan shot down a MiG-21 and captured Wing Comm­ander Abhinandan, who was later released as a peace gesture. “The steadfastness and competence of Pakistan’s armed forces were acknowledged by military experts and analysts across the world, effectively debunking frivolous Indian claims which could not stand to factual scrutiny,” the ISPR added.

This incident underscored Pakistan’s firm commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, reflecting a consistent policy stance in the face of current challenges.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2024