ISLAMABAD – Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Mujahid Anwar Khan onThursday made it clear that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) would not make anycompromise on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
He said PAF along with other services was fully prepared to counter anythreat to the country. Indeed, PAF’s prompt, measured and surprisingresponse busted the aggressor’s arrogance,” said the Air Chief whileaddressing a ceremony held at Air Headquarters, Islamabad to commemoratethe PAF’s resounding victory in “Operation Swift Retort”.
Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan AirForce was the chief guest at the occasion. “Make no mistake, PAF whenresponds to irresponsible act, we may not always exercise restraint,” hewarned India in an implied manner.
Pakistan Air Force, living up to its legacy, yet again made its markthrough professional excellence and valour during Operation Swift Retortlast year. Addressing the audience, the Air Chief, “While I assurePakistani nation on the preparedness of PAF to counter threats, we will notcompromise on sovereignty or territorial integrity of Pakistan. Let therebe no doubt that, PAF is, and would remain, reassuring fundamental ofnational defence.” He further said that prior to aggression last year,country’s national leadership had made it amply clear that no misadventureagainst Pakistan would ever go un-responded.
He further said, “Today, I reiterate that commitment and caution; torespond to aggressor was our compulsion, but measured and calibratedresponse was entirely our choice. Make no mistake, PAF when responds toirresponsible act, we may not always exercise restraint.”
The air chief stressed that PAF is second to none and has proved its airsuperiority on February 27 last year. “We stood as an integrated force thatis hard-hitting and focused on its mission,” said the air chief.
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On the morning of February 27, the Pakistan Air Force launched OperationSwift Retort. A two-element PAF strike force approached the disputed borderof Line of Control (LoC).
The first element, made up of ground strike aircraft, lobbed precisionmunitions near Indian strategic targets. As the Indian Air Force (IAF)reacted to the strikes, they were baited into a well-planned ambush whichclaimed two IAF fighter aircraft.
Former Air Chiefs and a large number of PAF officials witnessed theceremony. Earlier, a smartly-turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Forcepresented the Guard of Honour. Another important event of the ceremony wasa spectacular fly past by two formations of PAF fighter aircraft includingF-16, JF-17 and Mirage aircraft. The ceremony was rounded off with soulfulperformance by the young students of Fazaia School and College.
