Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday said that dialogue and diplomacy should never be considered as a ‘sign of weakness’ in conflict resolution as the nation marks the third anniversary of ‘Operation Swift Retort’ – conducted on February 27, 2019 – which resulted in the downing of two Indian planes that had violated Pakistani airspace.

“As we showed India on 27Feb2019, when it chose to attack us, our armed forces backed by the nation will respond to mly aggression & prevail at all levels,” the premier said in a series of tweets.

“We are resolute & unwavering in our commitment to the security of our country and our nation,” he added.

Moreover, the Foreign Office also issued a statement and reiterated the country’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty “at all costs.”

“India, in utter violation of the United Nations Charter and International Law, violated Pakistani airspace on 26 February 2019 and conducted airstrikes inside Pakistani territory. The botched attempt at infringing Pakistan’s sovereignty was swiftly riposted by our valiant armed forces. Not only did Pakistan resolutely safeguard its sovereignty; it also displayed utmost restraint,” it read.

Again on February 27, 2019, the handout read that two Indian aircraft transgressed the Pakistani airspace. Such two aircraft were shot down by Pakistan Air Force jets, it read, adding that the captured pilot of one of the downed aircraft was later returned to India as a goodwill gesture.

“Pakistan is a proponent for regional peace and stability. At the same time, our desire for peace is accompanied by strong resolve and capability for self-defence,” it read.

The FO alleged that February 27 also served as a lesson for India that none of its “militarism and war-mongering jingoism” would go without a befitting response. Besides, it urged that India must remain mindful of the consequences of its conduct in February 2019 and refrain from any such misadventure in the future.

“The Government, Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan continue to stand firm in their resolve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any aggression,” it added.

Moreover, the FO also underscored the country’s commitment towards a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. “We also call upon the international community, including the United Nations, to hold India accountable for its gross and systematic human rights violations and crimes against humanity in IIOJK, without further delay,” it read.

Earlier, in the day, Inter-Services Public Relations spokesperson Major General Babar Iftikhar had shared the message on Twitter.

“Today marks 3rd anniversary of “Op Swift Retort” when Pakistan Armed Forces gave a befitting response to Indian failed misadventure. Achievements of PAF in shooting down 2 Indian fighter ac, detection of Indian submarine at sea by Pak Navy & resounding response at LOC by Pak Army are testament to professionalism & determination of Pakistan Armed Forces for the defence of the motherland,” it read.

“Not just weapons or numbers but the resolve of a nation & operational preparedness of Armed Forces defines success in face of adversity. Pakistan Zindabad.”