Nation commemorates the sixth anniversary of Operation Swift Retort conducted by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) against the Indian Air Force in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in IIOJK in 2019.
On February 27th, 2019, Pakistan Air Forces downed two Indian jets that violated the airspace of Pakistan and captured Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. The aerial fight happened in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The events leading up to the operation began a day earlier when India violated the Line of Control (LoC) during its “Balakot Strikes” by sending military aircraft into Pakistani airspace.
India has dropped a ‘payload’ in an open area near Balakot, calling it a ‘Balakot Strike’. Later, Pakistan sent its jets across ‘LoC’, issuing warning shots, and locking onto Indian military positions.
India attempted to retaliate by sending in more jets through LOC. It was at this moment, that Pakistan downed two Indian jets.
One of the Indian pilots, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was arrested and later released as a goodwill gesture.
In recognition of their efforts, Pakistan honored Wing Commander Noman Ali Khan with Sitara-e-Jur’at (Star of Valour), Squadron Leader Hassan Mahmood Siddiqui Tamgha-e-Jur’at (Medal of Valour), and Group Captain Faheem Ahmad Khan Tamgha-e-Jur’at (Medal of Valour).
Read more: Operation Swift Retort: A morning that redefined Indo-Pak conflict
The courageous PAF pilots sent a strong message to their nation. “Sleep tight Pakistan, we are awake”. They sent out a passionate message to their fellow Pakistanis at a stage show event organized by the Pakistan Air Force last year on Defence Day.
They assured the nation that they would stand guard against the enemies, and were fully equipped to eliminate all threats to the territorial sovereignty of Pakistan.
Addressing the ceremony of the Defence and Martyrs Day on 6th September, the pilots received a standing ovation for their bravery. They said they were only thinking about “the enemy, the safety of the motherland, and the image of Pakistan,” throughout the operation.