Pakistan marks anniversary of shooting down Indian fighter jets

The TOI correspondent from Islamabad: Pakistan’s government and armed forces commemorated on Thursday the anniversary of what it claims was the shooting down of two Indian fighter jets in February 2019 following surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Air Force the day before in Balakot region against what New Delhi said was a terrorist training camp.

Later in 2019, Pakistan and India cut diplomatic ties when New Delhi abolished Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

“Six years ago, on Feb 27, 2019, Pakistan’s Air Force delivered a clear message to the enemy (India) that Pakistan possesses the full capability to defend its borders,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a statement released by his office.

“Through ‘Operation Swift Retort’, Pakistan’s Air Force demonstrated its military prowess and unshakable resolve to safeguard the homeland…,” he said.

Separately, Pakistan’s armed forces reiterated their pledge to defend the country and contribute to regional peace.