AS New Delhi is hurling threats day in and day out on Islamabad, Pakistan commemorated its Responsible and Resolute Response to Indian Aggression’ of Feb 26 last year with a plain and firm message that the country was prepared as before to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Speaking at a ceremony organized in this regard, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the manner in which Pakistan had responded to Indian aggression in February 2019 was indicative of the nation’s maturity.
On 26 February last year, India tested Pakistan’s nerves by giving practical shape to its oft-repeated threat of resorting to, what it called, surgical strikes against alleged terrorist bases. Indian planes violated Pakistani airspace and conducted air strikes inside Pakistani territory. In retaliation the next day, the Pakistan Air Force shot down two Indian fighter jets and captured Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. The effective and befitting response that India received and the decision of the Prime Minister to release the captured Indian pilot gave Pakistan an upper edge in the crisis and India was thoroughly humiliated before the world community. It has also been noted by analysts and military strategists that Pakistan’s reaction was measured and as a result the crisis did not aggravate despite aggressive posture of India. The Prime Minister has aptly pointed out that the Pakistan defence forces had acted “with restraint” in response to India’s moves while the Pakistani media displayed maturity despite the fact that the Indian media and politicians were beating the drums of war. The crisis with India also brought all political parties on the one platform with Parliament expressing the firm resolve to defend the country at all costs. Forgetting their differences, all political parties stood firmly at the back of the defence forces conveying a clear message to the enemy that the nation stands united to brace the challenge. It is regrettable that despite utmost restraints exercised by Pakistan, India chose not to reciprocate and is indulging in provocative activities and moves imperilling regional peace and security. It is once again trying to intimidate Pakistan in a bid to diverting attention of the world community from anti-minorities’ policies and actions of the Modi Government. Commemoration of the last year’s episode was a right move to show mirror to India.
