Responsibility lies with India for peace progress: Imran Khan

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday welcomed the restoration of the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and said the onus of creating an enabling environment for further progress rested with India.

The prime minister said_  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 .

 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_ he noted.

In a series of tweets to mark the second anniversary of Pakistan s response to India s illegal_ reckless military adventure of air strikes against Pakistan and how a proud and confident nation_ Pakistan responded with determined resolve at a time and placing of its choosing_ he also called on India to take necessary steps to meet the long-standing demand and right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination according to UNSC 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_ he wrote.

While_ Chief of the Air Staff_ Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan on Saturday said that Pakistan wants peace but if its sovereignty is challenged_ the response would always be swift and resolute as it was on February 27_ 2019.

 We want to live in peace but if our sovereignty is challenged_ our response would always be Swift and Resolute as it was on 27 February_ 2019 said the Air Chief while addressing a ceremony held at Air Headquarters_ Islamabad to commemorate the second anniversary of PAF s resounding victory in  Operation Swift Retort .

The Air Chief said that PAF maintained its operational readiness to deter aggression_ despite the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic. He also observed that Pakistan is confronted with varied challenges including a hybrid war_ which demands enhanced commitment and vigilance.  PAF endeavours to augment its capability in all spectrums of operations while pursuing modernisation through indigenous efforts_ he maintained

Earlier_ a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented the guard of honour.

Another important event of the ceremony was a spectacular fly past by two formations of PAF fighter aircraft including F-16_ JF-17_ F-7 and Mirage. The ceremony was rounded off with soulful performance by the young students of Fazaia School and College.

As the nation celebrated completion of two years of victory over India_ Director General ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar on Saturday said February 27_ 2019 is testament that Pakistan armed forces would always defend the motherland against all threats.

He observed it is not numbers but courage and will of resilient nation that triumphs in the end.  Pakistan stands for peace but when challenged_ shall respond with full might_ the spokesman of Pakistan Army said.