For the first time since their bold missions in May’s conflict with India, Pakistan Air Force pilots, reducing six Indian fighter jet-inclusive advanced Rafales and wiped out the Russian-made S-400 air defense system that entered the public eye on Thursday.
The long-awaited appearance of these national heroes came as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decorated them with Top Gallantry Awards during an independence day ceremony at Aiwan-E-Sadr.
Prime Minister Sharif paid tribute to a special tribute to wing commander Malik Rizwanul Haq, awarded the Tamgha-E-Basalat to destroy the S-400 system during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Shehbaz Sharif personally assigned the medal and invited the pilot to stand next to him before the audience. “He destroyed the S-400 system,” the prime minister told the collection, asking applause and high cheer.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Sitara-e-Jurat was awarded Wing Commander Bilal Raza, GD (P), Air Force, Wing Commander Hammad Ibne Masood, GD (P), Air Force, Squadron Leader M Yousaf Khan, GD (P), Air Force, Squadron Muhammad Osama Muhammad Hassan Anees, GD (P), Air Force, Squadron Leader Talal Hassan, GD (P), Air Force, Squadron Leader Fida Muhammad Khan, GD (P), Air Force.
Pakistan-India the recent conflict
The latest escalation between Pakistan and India began on April 22 when an attack in Pahagam killed 26 people. India immediately accused Pakistan of the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian guilt.
In response, India took on a number of hostile actions the next day of April 23, including the suspension of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which canceled Visa for Pakistani citizens, closes the Wagah-Attari border transition, ordered the shutdown of Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and the reduction of diplomatic staff at each other’s amount.
Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroy a mosque and kill dozens of civilians, including women, children and the elderly.
ALSO READ: French intelligence officer confirms the Downing of Rafale by Pakistan
In a rapid military reaction, Pakistan’s armed forces shot Indian war plane, including three Rafale jet aircraft. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10 when India targeted several Pakistani Airbases with missile attacks. In contrast, Pakistan Operation launched Bunyanum Marsoos, which damaged Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases and other strategic goals.
Later, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had reached after an intense diplomatic effort overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian Foreign Secretary.
