Prime Minister Imran Khan has sent a message of felicitation to the nation and the armed forces for a “befitting” reply to Indian aggression on the second anniversary of shooting down two Indian warplanes in Kashmir and capturing a pilot. He also welcomed restoration of ceasefire along the LOC in Kashmir.
Prime Minister Imran took to Twitter and posted a series of messages saying: “I congratulate the entire nation & salute our Armed Forces on the 2nd Anniversary of our response to India’s illegal, reckless military adventure of air strikes against Pakistan. As a proud & confident nation, we responded with determined resolve at a time & place of our choosing.”
On February 27, 2019, Pakistan Air Force shot down two Indian warplanes who entered the Pakistan airspace in Kashmir after an airstrike a day earlier by Indian fighter jets. The plane’s wreckage was found in Budgam area.
The Indian warplanes violated Pakistan airspace for the first time after 1971 war. Pakistan said Indian planes dropped bombs near the town of Balakot but there were no casualties.
Indian Prime Minister Modi remained tight-lipped on the incident, but India acknowledged one of its air force planes was “lost” in skirmishes with Pakistan and that its pilot was “missing in action.” Pakistan’s military later posted a video of the Indian pilot.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said in his next tweet that Pakistan has always promoted peace and showed the world its “responsible behaviour” by returning the captured Indian pilot.
“We also demonstrated to the world Pakistan’s responsible behaviour in the face of India’s irresponsible military brinkmanship, by returning the captured Indian pilot. We have always stood for peace & remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue,” Prime Minister Imran’s tweets said.
The premier also welcomed ceasefire along the Line of Control and said the Kashmiri people should be allowed right to self-determination according to the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“I welcome restoration of the ceasefire along the LOC. The onus of creating an enabling environment for further progress rests with India. India must take necessary steps to meet the long-standing demand & right of the Kashmiri people to self determination acc to UNSC resolutions.”
