On Saturday, India targeted several Pakistani airbases and military installations in retaliation, causing significant damage to Pakistan. Despite the severe defeat from the Indian military, the Pakistani Air Force is not holding back from boasting. A top Pakistani Air Force official claimed that the PAF stunned everyone with its response after the Pulwama attack.
At a press conference, Pakistan Air Force's Air Vice Marshal and Director General of Public Relations (DGPR), Aurangzeb Ahmed, described the counter-action following the Pulwama attack as an 'example of tactical brilliance.'
The Pakistani official stated at the press conference that if Pakistan's airspace, soil, resources, or its people are threatened, they will not compromise. We cannot overlook such threats. The people of Pakistan take pride in and trust their armed forces, and we maintain this trust at all costs.
Attempt to Explain 'Tactical Brilliance'
He further stated that they tried to showcase their tactical brilliance in response to India's actions after the Pulwama attack, astonishing them with their capabilities and making them realize Pakistan's strength.
Read also: Target Number 9: Destroying Jaish-e-Mohammed's Base in PoK, The Hideout of the Pulwama Culprit Ningroo
On April 22, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including three serving officers from the Army, Air Force, and Navy. In retaliation, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' to destroy nine terrorist launch pads. The Pakistani government has consistently adopted a negative stance on the Pahalgam terrorist attacks, demanding evidence and questioning their involvement despite identifying the mastermind.
Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed was joined by DG ISPR Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, a notable presence. Major General Chaudhry is the son of nuclear scientist Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, suspected of meeting Osama bin Laden and attempting to provide nuclear technology to Al-Qaeda. He has been identified by the UN Security Council's Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
India's Long-standing Claim
On February 14, 2019, a suicide attack in Pulwama claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. The responsibility was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). India held Pakistan accountable internationally, providing substantial evidence on numerous occasions.
Read also: Pakistan Crisis: Running on Debt, 25 Agreements with IMF Yet Famine Looms, Economy in Peril
Despite India providing evidence, Pakistan has consistently denied its involvement. Following the attack, India launched 'Operation Balakot' on February 26, targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed's largest training camp in Balakot, Pakistan, comprising 12 Mirage fighter jets.
After the Balakot airstrike, Pakistan attempted a counterattack on Indian military installations. During this operation, Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Vardaman managed to chase away Pakistani planes, though his plane crashed, leading to his capture by Pakistani forces. However, under international pressure, Pakistan released Abhinandan within a few days.
