DG ISPR Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar says Pakistan’s armed forces will fearlessly protect the security and integrity of the country whenever it is challenged. He gave a stern message to enemies in his press conference on the first anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, yesterday.
DG ISPR Maj Gen Babar Iftikar, in his first media briefing, recalled the events leading up to the mini aerial combat between two nuclear-states-India and Pakistan, on LOC Kashmir in 2019. Pakistan had downed two Indian jets and captured Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman following the violation of airspace.
27 Feb commemorates resolve of Pakistan Armed Forces against any aggression. The way we responded on this day is a proof that any misadventure by enemies of Pakistan will always be defeated. Our adversaries will be surprised with our bold responses every time.#SurpriseDay
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) February 27, 2020
“After the Pulwama incident, India blamed Pakistan. We offered all cooperation,” said DG Iftikhar. “But on Feb 26, they carried out a cowardly attack. We were prepared, the surprise they wanted to give to us, we gave them one instead and they retreated,” added Babar Iftikhar.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces are well aware of the overt and covert operations of the enemy. “The game being played by India, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership is very much aware of it,” said DG Babar Iftikhar.
Read more: Tump visit had a major secret project: US plans its own BRI with India
He, however, lauded the bravery of Pakistani soldiers, who are sacrificing their lives to secure the sovereignty of the country. India violated ceasefire 384 times last year.
“They do not spare children on their way to school.” “The most ceasefire violations and casualties were recorded in 2019.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9EWKOrJSjc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
“The Pakistan Army is a responsible force; when we are provoked we respond on military targets, while the Indian forces target civilians. If there is a war in the region, there will be far-reaching consequences,” he warned.
DG ISPR Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar held a profound press conference in which he discussed the progress and contribution of Pakistan and its military forces on numerous domestic and international matters.
Warning to India
“If there is a challenge to Pakistan’s security, we will respond — do not test our capability and resolve,” he warned.
“There is no space for war between two nuclear powers. The consequences for that will be uncontrollable and things will spiral out of control. Intentions can change overnight but capabilities remain.
Read more: If you start a war, we will finish it: DG ISPR Asif Ghafoor’s final message to Modi
“Whenever India has taken any such [aggressive] action, we have given them a befitting response,” said DG Babar Iftikhar.
US-Taliban Talks
DG ISPR Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar hailed the peace deal between the USA and Taliban adding that nobody wishes for peace in Afghanistan more than Pakistan.
“There will be positive results from this deal. Nobody wants peace in Afghanistan more than Pakistan. We are hoping for the best,” he said.
He went on to say that there is nothing wrong with Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan. “We have a very cordial and good relationship. As far as this peace accord is concerned, Pakistan has done its best to facilitate this [deal], and that has been acknowledged unanimously by everyone.
“I don’t see any reasons for our relations with Afghanistan going sour,” he added.
Operation Radd ul Fasaad
DG Babar Iftikhar held the military operation Radd ul Fasaad launched in 2017 that normalized the country. “We claimed 40,000 murabay back from terrorists.
“The journey from terrorism to tourism has been a difficult one, the people also played a part in this. Our cricket grounds are now filled once again,” he said.
Read moe: OIC, Erdogan slam India for “massacre of Muslims”
“We respect the white on our flag, and salute the sacrifices made by religious minorities,” he added.
In the end, he reiterated that the Pakistan armed forces are ready and on-board to support the government in fighting off the spread of Coronavirus in the country.