RAWALPINDI: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the services chiefs, pay tribute to the unwavering courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of Pakistan's armed forces on the solemn occasion of the 6th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort.

Launched on 27 February 2019, Operation Swift Retort was a resolute and measured response to India's unwarranted aggression, reaffirming Pakistan's unyielding commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, said an ISPR news release.

The operation not only demonstrated the operational excellence and preparedness of Pakistan's armed forces but also underscored their ability to effectively deter aggression and immediately re-establish deterrence while maintaining complete operational dominance throughout the engagement.

On this occasion, the CJCSC and Service Chiefs reiterated their steadfast commitment to ensuring Pakistan's national security and stability while continuing efforts to foster regional peace.

They reaffirmed that Pakistan's armed forces remain ever vigilant and fully prepared to counter any threat to the nation, upholding the trust and confidence reposed in them by the people of Pakistan.

With unwavering resolve, Pakistan's armed forces stand ready to defend the motherland while actively contributing to regional and global peace initiatives, in line with Pakistan's enduring pursuit of stability and harmony.

An attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14, 2019, was at the heart of Pakistan-India escalation. More than 40 Indian paramilitary soldiers were killed when an explosives packed van tore through a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying around 2,500 personnel of paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force.

The attack was more severe than a similar one in 2016 that killed 19 soldiers. The following day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed a "strong response" to the Pulwama attack as the "blood of the people is boiling," and those responsible for the terrorist act would be punished.

The following day, IAF jets again entered Pakistani airspace after PAF strikes across the LoC. Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman VrC was captured by Pakistani forces when his MiG-21 Bison was shot down on February 27 inside Pakistani territory, seven kilometers from the LOC. Pakistan repatriated him on March 1 as a goodwill gesture.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 28 2025

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