ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday the nation remembered and “profoundly grieved” for the people of disputed Kashmir as it celebrated its 74th Independence day.
The Himalayan region has been at the heart of tensions between Hindu-majority India and Muslim Pakistan for decades, the cause of two of the three wars between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Both countries claim the region in full, but each rules only in part.
On August 5, 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi split the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two federally controlled territories and took away its special privileges.
New Delhi flooded troops into the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley, where insurgents have fought since the 1990s. India detained thousands, imposed harsh movement restrictions and forced a communications blackout, which has largely remained to date.
As independence day celebrations kicked off in Pakistan, Khan said “our hearts are profoundly grieved by the sufferings of our brethren … who are facing military siege since past one year.”
“We stand firmly behind our Kashmiri brethren in their struggle for their right to self-determination,” the PM said in a series of tweets. “We will continue to raise voice of the helpless Kashmiris at all available forums … I am confident that the struggle and resilience of brave Kashmiris will culminate into their inalienable right of self-determination.”
In a message to the nation, President Dr. Arif Alvi also assured the people of Kashmir that “Pakistan will continue to support them in their just struggle for their right to self-determination as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
Meanwhile, flag hoisting ceremonies and special events were held at public and private offices across the country.
'Profoundly grieved' for people of Kashmir, Pakistani PM tells nation on Independence Day
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'Profoundly grieved' for people of Kashmir, Pakistani PM tells nation on Independence Day
- Pakistan marks 73 years of independence, celebrating the end of British colonial rule in 1947
- We will continue to raise our voice for Kashmiris at all available forums, PM tells nation
Pakistan air chief highlights modernization as PAF marks seven years since India aerial clash
- Swift Retort was launched in 2019 after India attempted airstrikes following a Kashmir suicide bombing
- Air chief’s remarks come amid fierce clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan over cross-border militancy
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s air chief said on Friday the country’s air force had undertaken “comprehensive modernization and indigenization” in recent years, as he addressed a ceremony at Air Headquarters to mark seven years since an aerial confrontation with India.
Operation Swift Retort was launched on Feb. 27, 2019, a day after India attempted airstrikes inside Pakistan following a suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary troops.
Pakistan responded with aerial strikes across the Line of Control and shot down an Indian fighter jet in a subsequent dogfight, capturing one pilot who was later returned in what Islamabad called a gesture of de-escalation.
“PAF has pursued comprehensive modernization and indigenization to transition into a Next Generation Air Force,” Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said, according to a statement circulated by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations.
He added that the force had recalibrated its operational doctrine and rapidly inducted advanced combat and support capabilities, including indigenously developed unmanned systems, electronic warfare, space and cyber assets, establishing what he described as a “home-grown multi-domain kill chain.”
Sidhu said Pakistan remained committed to peace but would respond decisively to violations of its sovereignty.
“Pakistan is a responsible country which desires peace with honor,” he continued.
The remarks come amid renewed security tensions on Pakistan’s western frontier.
Islamabad earlier this week launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan targeting what it described as hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Daesh militants. Afghan authorities condemned the strikes and subsequently launched their own military response that led to fierce clashes between the two sides overnight.
Pakistan has frequently accused Kabul of allowing militant groups to use Afghan territory to carry out cross-border attacks on Pakistani civilians and security forces, an allegation denied by Afghan officials.
Pakistani authorities said earlier in the day small drones launched from the Afghan side were intercepted and brought down by the country’s air defense systems.
Sidhu said the PAF would continue to maintain a vigilant yet responsible defense posture to safeguard national sovereignty.
