Pakistan showed responsible behavior by returning captured Indian pilot, says PM on 2nd anniversary of Operation Swift Retort

Taking to twitter, PM wrote that as a proud and confident nation, Pakistan responded with determined resolve to India's illegal and reckless military adventure of air strikes against Pakistan.

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

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 27, 2021

He further wrote that Pakistan showed responsible behavior in the face of India's irresponsible military brinkmanship, by returning the captured Indian pilot (Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman).

Imran Khan said that Pakistan has always stood for peace and remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue.

Prime Minister also welcomed the restoration of the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), saying that the responsibility for enabling the environment for further progress rests with India.

The premier urged the Indian government to take the necessary steps to meet the long-standing demand for the right to self-determination of the people of Kashmir.

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.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 27, 2021

On February 27, 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carried out Operation Swift Retort and shot down two Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft and dropped bombs within the compounds of Indian military facilities in occupied Kashmir – as a warning to the country’s belligerent neighbor.

The Pakistani military had lived up to its promise to ‘surprise’ India in wake of any misadventure, saying that ‘uncalled-for aggression’ from the Indian military ‘would not go unpunished’.

The operation also resulted in the capture of an Indian pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, after his Mig-21 was shot down. The pilot was later handed over to Indian authorities as ‘a goodwill gesture’.