Pakistan marks ‘Surprise Day’ on first year anniversary

On Feb 27, 2020 Last updated Oct 4, 2021

Students and visitors walk past the wreckage of an Indian Mig-21 fighter aircraft which was being flown by Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman whose plane was shot down over Kashmir earlier this year, put on display at Pakistan Air Force Museum in Karachi on November 12, 2019. (Photo by Asif HASSAN / AFP)

The Government of Pakistan is marking “Surprise Day” today in commemoration of the downing of two IAF jets on February 27, 2019, according to Radio Pakistan.

“Operation Swift Retort” took place last year on the same date when, in response to Indian jets bombing Balakot, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets struck targets in India. Indian jets violated Pakistan’s air space and entered into its territory. PAF jets, in swift retaliation, shot down two Indian planes and captured IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

A small ceremony has been organised on the occasion at the Prime Minister’s Office to celebrate the operational preparedness of the armed forces. According to government sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan will issue a policy statement on the occasion.

The premier will also laud the continuing contributions of armed forces personnel for the defense of the nation.

Commemorating Operation Swift Retort, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) yesterday briefed an international media team at the site where an Indian aircraft was shot down.

“The Army briefed an international media team at Horan village near the site where an Indian Mig-21 fighter aircraft flown by pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was shot down,” the ISPR said.