The Pakistan Air Force’s victory in Operation Swift Retort against a far larger foe is now commemorated annually as “Surprise Day.” During the PSL Strategic Time Out on the anniversary of “Fantastic Tea,” Tapal makes fun of India.
The definitions of the words “tea” and “great” were changed in Pakistan after a viral video showing Abhinandan praising Pakistani Army officers for being “professional and thorough gentlemen” while enjoying “wonderful” tea in their custody went viral.
The Pakistan Air Force launched a counterattack on February 27, 2019, primarily to demonstrate Pakistan’s resolve. The strike was painstakingly prepared to avoid casualties on the ground. The PAF shot down two IAF planes and captured one of the pilots during the brief aerial engagement that ensued.
The pilot of the MiG-21, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, whose aircraft crashed on the Pakistani side, was captured alive. The SU-30’s wreckage fell in Indian-occupied Kashmir, where its pilot was killed. Subsequently, as a show of goodwill, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan declared his release.