Pulwama Attack Triggers Tensions Between India and Pakistan
Pakistan Marks 6th Anniversary of Operation Swift Retort. On the sixth anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, Pakistan’s military leadership, including the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the Services Chiefs, paid tribute to the bravery, professionalism, and sacrifices of Pakistan’s Armed Forces. A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday reaffirmed the military’s dedication to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Operation Swift Retort, launched on February 27, 2019, was Pakistan’s decisive response to India’s violation of its airspace, following heightened tensions between the two countries. The operation demonstrated Pakistan’s military readiness and reinforced its defensive capabilities, ensuring deterrence and maintaining complete dominance during the engagement.
The ISPR highlighted that the swift retaliation by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) not only protected the nation’s airspace but also showcased the military’s ability to respond effectively to any aggression. Pakistan’s Armed Forces, the statement emphasized, remain vigilant and fully prepared to counter any potential threat.
The origins of the confrontation can be traced to the February 14, 2019, Pulwama attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, in which over 40 Indian paramilitary soldiers were killed. The attack led to India’s vow of retaliation, which escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
On February 26, 2019, Indian fighter jets violated Pakistan’s airspace, but Pakistani forces swiftly intercepted the aircraft, forcing them to retreat. Pakistan responded the following day with airstrikes across the Line of Control (LoC), reinforcing its right to self-defense. During the engagement, Pakistan’s Air Force shot down two Indian fighter jets and captured Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, an Indian pilot, who was later returned to India as a gesture of peace.
The ISPR concluded by reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to defending its motherland while contributing to regional and global peace initiatives. The military’s ongoing efforts to maintain stability and harmony remain integral to Pakistan’s national security strategy.
